Composition
June 14 – July 4, 2026
Composer-in-Residence
For Composers in Chamber Music Dialogue
The Composer-in-Residence Program is a 3-week chamber music seminar crafted to propel emerging composers into a dynamic festival environment. Experience your compositions come to life in performances by top-tier ensembles, all while immersed in the culture of one of Italy’s most iconic and historic medieval cities.
Featured recital showcasing your works within the prestigious Orvieto Musica concert series.
Collaborative opportunities with professional instrumentalists and vocalists to bring your music to the stage.
Elite mentorship and masterclasses with distinguished faculty and guest artists, offering deep insights into your compositions.
Expand your portfolio with performances of diverse repertoire, spanning Baroque to contemporary.
Immerse yourself in the Italian lifestyle with language classes and cultural excursions.
Recent Residencies
Join a select group of composers whose work has been shaped and brought to life in close collaboration with performers, in an environment defined by focus, dialogue, and daily music-making.
Sean Shepherd
Distinguished Composer
Clinician
Kai Bowen
University of Utah
Participant
Seolae Hwang
Texas Tech University
Participant
Cooper Grosscup
San Francisco Conservatory
Participant
A Residency Rooted in Collaboration
Established in 2024, the Composer-in-Residence Program at Orvieto Musica invites emerging and established composers to engage directly with performers in a setting that values craft, collaboration, and thoughtful performance. Works may be written or adapted for flexible instrumentation across all programs—strings, voice, trumpet, tuba, and keyboard—with support from our collaborative pianists and organists.
Composers work closely with Artistic and Executive Director Kim Walker, and coordinate with program directors to ensure meaningful rehearsal time, refined interpretation, and opportunities for premiere. The residency is shaped by the belief that new music thrives in proximity to live performance and sustained artistic relationships.
In 2025, Orvieto Musica was honored to host Sean Shepherd for a residency in which he mentored composers and contributed to the artistic fabric of the season through performances and close engagement with participants.
We welcome applications from composers interested in a three-week residency in Orvieto—an invitation to create, revise, and share new work in one of Italy’s most inspiring artistic communities.
Working with and attending Orvieto Musica was a dream. My music was performed in historic venues with the utmost care and respect. The people of Orvieto were incredibly receptive to new music, and their affection was palpable. I learned so much from interacting and workshopping with the performers on a daily basis. Any composer would be happy to place their work in the capable hands of the musicians and staff at OM!
Kai Bowen
The Four Corners
Seolae Hwang
Catch Me If You Can
Cooper Grosscup
Hommage à Corelli
Festival Details
What’s Included?
Your festival fee provides a three-week residency in Orvieto designed to support both your artistry and your well-being. Every element—from instruction to housing—has been thoughtfully arranged so you can focus fully on music, culture, and connection.
Artistic Work and Guidance:
At the heart of the residency is music. Participants receive individual lessons, masterclasses, and specialized coachings with faculty, together with Italian language sessions. All Institute classes, including the Communication Group studio course, are part of the curriculum.
Housing and Meals:
Participants are housed in centrally located, double-occupancy apartments, providing a comfortable base within walking distance of rehearsal and performance spaces. Each day begins with breakfast at a local caffè, with additional meals arranged through neighborhood restaurants.
Travel and Shared Experiences:
Private coach transfers are provided from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Orvieto at the start of the program and at its close. Group travel is also arranged for festival activities, including an excursion to Lago Bolsena—Europe’s largest volcanic lake.
Spaces and Materials for Your Work:
Residency includes access to rehearsal spaces, the Orvieto Musica library, and wireless internet. All required music licensing fees are covered by the festival.
Support in Daily Life:
Health, safety, and cleaning support are provided throughout the stay. City tax and key deposit are included. Participants also enjoy complimentary admission to all Orvieto Musica concerts and events, along with discounts at partner shops in the city.
Professional Recordings:
All festival performances are recorded. High-definition video of individual concerts are available on request, and access to the Orvieto Musica archive is included.
Please note that airfare is not included in your festival fees.
Program Fees
Composer Residency + Shared Housing: $4,700
Composer Residency + Private Room Upgrade: $5,900
Please note that the above pricing is guaranteed only until March 1, 2026. Enrollments after this date will be subject to additional surcharges.
Bring A Guest
Families and Guests Welcome!
We warmly invite your family, friends, or partners to share in your time in Orvieto—whether for a few days or the full three-week residency. Our guest package includes accommodations and airport transportation from Rome, tailored for stays of one to three weeks.
“La Dolce Vita” Cultural Experience
For guests seeking a deeper cultural immersion, our La Dolce Vita program offers a curated week of Italian language classes, guided excursions, private tastings, artisan workshops, and more—designed to showcase the best of Umbrian life.
Scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, scholarships are available for the Composer-in-Residence Program and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Priority consideration will be given to applicants who apply before December 1, 2025 December 31, 2025 (Deadline Extended!)
Reserve Your Spot
Submit Your Free Application
Applications for the 2026 Season are due by December 31, 2025
Score Submission: Submit two contrasting works. PDF scores may be accompanied by live or MIDI recordings, or shared via YouTube (unlisted or public). One or two links may be submitted. No required instrumentation—variety is encouraged.
What’s Next?
Upon acceptance into the program, your deposit and Festival Registration Form must be submitted by Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Your final balance will be due by Sunday, March 1, 2026.
An Orvieto Musica chartered bus will transport you from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to the hilltop town of Orvieto, where you will be welcomed by your apartment hosts. To ensure you can join this transfer, please arrange to arrive at FCO no later than 11:30 AM CET on June 14. For your return, please book departing flights no earlier than 12:30 PM CET on July 4, to accommodate the return bus from Orvieto to the airport.
Full travel and arrival guidance can be found in the OM Portal, your go-to resource for important dates, forms, and planning tools for the upcoming season.