Abu Dhabi Launches Inaugural International Competition for Composition
Abu Dhabi, 16th June 2025 – The Abu Dhabi Festival has unveiled the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Competition for Composition (ADICC), an ambitious new global platform designed to amplify rising voices in contemporary music. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), the competition seeks to nurture creative talent, elevate young composers, and champion innovation that will influence the future of music worldwide.
The competition is open to emerging and established composers up to the age of 50 from around the world, with submissions accepted until 15th September 2025. This broad scope ensures a diverse pool of talent and ideas, with the aim to inspire groundbreaking musical expressions.
Finalists will be announced on 15th December 2025. The first-place winner will receive AED130,000, a professional recording opportunity, and a world premiere performance alongside world-renowned partner orchestras at the 23rd edition of Abu Dhabi Festival in April 2026. The second-place winner will be awarded AED50,000, a performance opportunity, global recognition, and mentorship. The third-place winner will receive AED25,000 and mentorship access.
ADICC is welcoming submissions from composers worldwide, who must anonymously submit original, unpublished, and unperformed works. There are two award categories: orchestral compositions lasting up to 10 minutes, and solo works for piano up to 5 minutes – with the piano being the featured instrument for this inaugural edition.
An esteemed jury of international composers and conductors will evaluate submissions across seven criteria, including originality, creativity, elegance, intellectual depth, technical proficiency, compositional technique, emotional impact, and the integration of traditional instruments, melodies, or rhythms representing diverse musical heritages and styles.
Winning compositions will be professionally recorded as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival Composers’ Platform initiative. Established more than a decade and a half ago, this platform has supported composers globally, enabling them to showcase their work in Abu Dhabi and internationally. To date, it has produced 36 original compositions and 80 co-commissions, generating high-quality recordings that preserve both traditional and contemporary music.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
