Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation Launches Second International Composition Competition
The prestigious biennial competition welcomes composers from around the globe to submit original works, with the winning pieces receiving world premieres at Abu Dhabi Festival 2028 and substantial commissions worth up to AED130,000.
The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation has announced the opening of submissions for the second edition of the Abu Dhabi International Competition for Composition, a prestigious platform designed to champion contemporary musical creativity and nurture emerging talent on the world stage.
The competition invites composers of all nationalities to submit original compositions across two carefully curated categories. The Orchestral Work category welcomes pieces of up to ten minutes in duration, whilst the Solo Instrument category, focusing specifically on piano, accepts compositions of up to five minutes. This dual-category format ensures accessibility for composers working across different musical scales and instrumental configurations.
A Global Platform for Musical Innovation
ADICC distinguishes itself as a vital international forum, providing composers with an exceptional opportunity to gain worldwide recognition and have their work performed before discerning global audiences. The competition’s emphasis on contemporary music reflects a commitment to advancing the art form and supporting composers in reaching international prominence.
The inaugural 2025 edition demonstrated considerable international appeal, attracting over 165 submissions from 47 countries. Winners included Daniele Gasparini, whose orchestral work En el Aire secured first prize, with Nadim Tarabay and Thomas Kornel claiming second and third positions respectively. In the piano category, Andrey Zubets prevailed with Mirror Preludes, followed by Tarek Yamani and Bruno Vlahek.
Prestigious Judging and Rigorous Standards
Submissions will be evaluated anonymously by an international jury of distinguished composers, conductors, curators and leading musicians representing respected institutions and artistic traditions from across the globe. This rigorous assessment process ensures that only works of genuine artistic merit advance through the competition.
Exceptional Prizes and Career Advancement
First-prize winners receive a commission and world premiere performance at Abu Dhabi Festival 2028, accompanied by AED130,000, professional recording services and publication of their composition. Second-place recipients are awarded AED50,000, whilst third-place winners receive AED25,000, with all finalists benefiting from mentorship opportunities and international exposure through the Foundation’s extensive global network.
The competition culminates in March 2028, when winning compositions take centre stage at Abu Dhabi Festival, with winners honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony attended by distinguished artists, diplomats and cultural leaders.
Prospective composers are invited to submit their work anonymously through http://www.admaf.org. The submission deadline is 31 December 2026, with winners to be announced in May 2027.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office
