Introduction
Music compositions form the cornerstone of music history, and the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra has been playing an active role in its making since 1999 through Music from the Heart, an open platform that invites original works from talented composers, followed by performances and discussions. Many talents have been discovered and they have been active on the music scene and garnered international awards.

To continue with the momentum, and to enhance sharing and exchange among composers within the region, the invitation exercise has been extended to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area* since 2019. Entries that have not been previously published will be given priority evaluation. Participants are required to create works with the historical culture of Greater Bay Area cities as the main theme.

Organizer:

Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra

Requirements: Ensemble music

The submitted work should be for a Chinese ensemble of not more than 38 pieces, and the duration should be within 10 minutes. The composition and instrumental range of the works will be considerated as a criterion.

(For the 38-piece setup, please read from here; and for the tonal range of instruments for the Chinese orchestra, please scan the QR code or visit our website www.hkco.org)

Submission deadline:
All submissions should be sent by email (claire@hkco.org) or mail to reach the office of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra no later than 31 Dec 2024 (by postmark date). Please mark on the envelope ‘Music from the Heart – Invitation for Original Compositions’. Each submission should include one full score, the Application Form duly filled in, the composer’s resume, a brief introduction of the work, a DEMO of the work, and a digital score stored in ’Finale’(or ’Sibelius’) and PDF formats.

Performance:
Selected works will be performed by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in the Music from the Heart concert held on 15 Mar 2025. A nominal royalty fee of HK$5,000 will be paid for the work selected and performed, and the composer of the said work may continue to be commissioned for arranging or writing new works by the Orchestra in the future.

How to apply:
Application Form

Other terms and conditions:
The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the details of the competition. For updated information, please visit the website of the Orchestra or make inquiries at (+852) 3185 1611.

*This open invitation is for holders of a valid Hong Kong Identity Card and for residents and employees in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area only. Please submit documents of proof together with the Application Form when applying.