Abu Dhabi International Competition for Composition (ADICC)
Empowering New Voices in Contemporary Music
Abu Dhabi International Competition for Composition (ADICC) is a prestigious global platform for emerging and established composers, created to advocate for contemporary music, nurture creative talent and empower the next generation of musical visionaries.
Founded by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), ADICC aims to recognise and reward composers of all nationalities by providing a platform to showcase their talents, gain international recognition and perform their original works on the world stage.
Whether you’re a young composer or a seasoned musician, ADICC invites you to step into the spotlight, showcase your passion, and apply now to join our global community committed to innovation, excellence and shaping the future of music.
The Jury
ADICC submissions will be evaluated by a distinguished jury featuring some of the world’s most renowned composers, conductors and leading musicians.
The ADICC jury will be announced in September 2025.
Key Dates
ADICC will officially open for submissions from the 15 June to 15 September 2025. Here are some important dates to mark in your calendar as you prepare to take your musical journey to new heights.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Submissions Open | 15 June 2025 |
| Deadline | 15 September 2025 |
| Finalists Announced | 15 December 2025 |
| World Premiere Performance at the 23rd edition of Abu Dhabi Festival | April 2026 |
Prizes
The global composer competition celebrates exceptional talent with the following awards:
| Prize | Details |
|---|---|
| First Prize |
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| Second Prize |
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| Third Prize |
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Categories
ADICC 2025 welcomes submissions from composers worldwide in the following categories:
- Orchestral Work – original composition for orchestra with a maximum duration of 10 minutes.
- Solo Instrument – original solo instrument composition for piano – as the ADICC’s selected instrument the 2025 competition – with a maximum duration of 5 minutes.
For more information on the ADICC categories, click here to read our rules & regulations.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to composers of all nationalities born after 15 September 1975.
- Works must be original, unpublished, and unperformed prior to submission.
For more information on the ADICC eligibility criteria, click here to read our rules & regulations.
How to Apply
- Submission Form: Download your submission form here
- Submission Materials: Include the following submission materials in your application:
– PDF Score (anonymous with a name of your choice)
– Audio file (live or MIDI)
– Composer Biography & Photo
– Concept Note; a short write-up to give context to your submission, highlighting your inspirations, artistic journey and creative process (300 words maximum)
All scores must be submitted anonymously. For more information on ADICC terms and conditions, click here to read our rules & regulations.
Contact & Questions
Should you have any questions regarding the Abu Dhabi International Competition for Composition (ADICC), our dedicated team is available to assist you. Please email all enquiries to: [email protected]
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