Overview

The mission of Ars Nova Press is the championing of exceptional music literature that has not found publication acceptance elsewhere. Our focus is on timeless artistic quality over commercial trends.

Through our sacred music division, we are passionate to create a renaissance of new sacred music - works that are suitable for Mass and religious ceremonies.

​We hope this competition encourages young composers to write well-crafted sacred music. All compositions that receive an award will be published and recorded by Ars Nova.

Rules and general information

Competition opens on April 15, 2026 and closes on July 15, 2026 and is open worldwide
Entry Fee: $50 USD
Age Requirement: Composer must be 35 years and under - as of April 15, 2026

Piece Requirements:
A choral work scored for SATB or any combination of three voices, a cappella
Piece length between 3 and 5 minutes
The work should be suitable for use in a Mass or religious service
The text of the piece must be from Sacred Scripture

Works are judged on creative use of technique, expression, and accessibility
Works will be evaluated via a blind jury process

The results will be announced by September 30, 2026