Toru Takemitsu Composition Award

Organization: Tokyo Opera City Cultural Foundation

Program Overview

An international composition prize honoring Tōru Takemitsu, awarded annually to emerging contemporary music composers.

The Tōru Takemitsu Composition Award is an international prize for contemporary classical music named in honor of renowned Japanese composer Tōru Takemitsu. Administered by the Tokyo Opera City Cultural Foundation, the award invites orchestral scores from emerging composers around the world. Each year, a single invited judge (a prominent contemporary composer) selects a shortlist of works, which are then performed in Tokyo by a professional orchestra before final judging. This is a professional-level composition award rather than a high school–specific competition: there is no formal minimum age, but most successful entrants are advanced composition students or early-career composers. Finalists receive performances of their work, feedback from an international judge, and the chance to compete for substantial prize money and international recognition. High school students with exceptional composition skills may follow the award, study past winning scores, and, if sufficiently advanced and eligible under that year’s rules, consider submitting in the future.

Program Details

  • Category: Arts & Humanities
  • Format: In-Person
  • Cost: Free
  • Grade Level: Grades 9-12
  • Location: Various Locations
  • Country: JP

Related Topics

This program is relevant for students interested in: composition, classical music, contemporary music, international award, orchestral

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Learn More

Visit the official program website: Tokyo Opera City Cultural Foundation