JUNE • 16-29 • 2025
ABOUT
The Vienna Contemporary Composers Festival (VCCF) is designed for composers looking to refine their craft, receive professional performances of their works, and immerse themselves in the rich musical culture of Vienna, Austria. Each selected composer will have their new work performed during the festival.
One of the festival's key highlights is the opportunity for participants to hear their music performed by Vienna’s world-class contemporary ensemble, PHACE, or one of our renowned VCCF 2025 guest ensembles, Mivos Quartet and Fonema Consort. Additionally, the VCCF is honored to welcome Irvine Arditti, founder of the legendary Arditti Quartet, who performs—and occasionally records—works for solo violin, offering a unique opportunity for all VCCF attendees.
Participants will also benefit from private composition lessons with Viennese and international composers, as well as lectures and masterclasses on contemporary music and advanced theory.
Notable guest faculty members have included prominent composers such as Anthony R. Green, Alexandra Karastoyanova-Hermentin, Oliver Weber, Eva Reiter, Patricia Alessandrini, Reinhard Fuchs, Clemens Gadenstätter, and other distinguished visiting artists.
CURRICULUM
– Private Lessons –
Participants will engage in one-on-one composition lessons with distinguished Viennese composers and guest faculty, focusing on developing drafts, exploring compositional techniques, and receiving tailored professional guidance.
– Rehearsals –
Composers are expected to attend all rehearsals of their works, collaborating closely with the ensemble and music director to refine their pieces and ensure a successful performance.
– Group Lessons –
Visiting guest artists will lead group lessons, providing in-depth critiques of participants’ compositions. These sessions are open for all festival participants to observe, offering valuable insights into a wide range of works.
– Lectures –
Guest faculty will deliver lectures on their specialized areas of research, covering advanced compositional topics, innovative techniques, career development, and other relevant subjects to support participants' growth as professional composers.
COMPOSITION
Participants will have one of their pieces performed by one of our guest ensembles, during VCCF.
PHACE ENSEMBLE
– chamber music –
3-5 instruments from the list (no conductor): flute (c, picc, alto, bass flute), clarinet (in b-flat, e-flat, bass clarinet), saxophone (alto, tenor, bariton), trombone, viola, cello, piano
– ensemble –
up to 8 instruments from the list:
flute (c, picc, alto, bass flute), clarinet (in b-flat, e-flat, bass clarinet), saxophone (alto, tenor, bariton), trumpet, violin, cello, double bass, piano, percussion (instruments must be approved by PHACE ensemble)
FONEMA CONSORT
– chamber music –
soprano, flute, and piano, with a possible addition of percussion, guitar, and clarinet.
MIVOS QUARTET
– string quartet –
subsets are also possible
IRVINE ARDITTI
– Work with the legendary founder of the Arditti Quartet –
The VCCF is proud to have Irvine Arditti, founder of the contemporary string quartet Arditti Quartet join the faculty. Mr. Arditti will perform and record works for solo violin. All participants will have access to this opportunity. Please click here to watch Irvine Arditti's interview given during our 2018 edition.
APPLICATION
– TUITION: €3850 –
Includes: housing, private lessons, facilities, faculty, masterclasses, visiting guests, cultural excursions, ensemble hires.
Scholarships available.
– APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS –
Applicants for the VCCF should submit two original scores that best represent their skill as a composer; there are no stylistic restrictions.
All application materials including YouTube links, audio files, and scores should be submitted via a single link to an approved file sharing site such as Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud, or by mail to info.viennaccf@gmail.com
All applicants should receive an initial response in 5-7 business days.
– Scholarships –
Scholarships are available, and will be awarded up to €1,500 to select applicants. For those applicants that are interested in applying for scholarship, a brief scholarship application essay of no more than 500 words answering the question, “What are your career goals and how would a scholarship would help you achieve those goals?.”