Maestro Claudio Marino Moretti to Lead Choir at the XXXII International “2 Agosto” Composition Competition
Newcomer composers, the deadline is fast‑approaching – 31 May 2026 at 24:00 GMT.
The 2026 edition of the International Composition Competition “2 Agosto” is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting events on the contemporary music calendar. In a move that will set the bar high for vocal and choral repertoire, the Teatro Comunale di Bologna has announced that the celebrated Maestro Claudio Marino Moretti will be the choirmaster for the final concert on 2 August.
A Maestro of Global Standing
Claudio Marino Moretti is no stranger to the operatic and choral world. His résumé reads like a tour of the most respected names in the industry – from the tutelage of Luigi Luisi and Marco Noseda to the collaborative sessions with Sir Andrew Chung, Sir John Gardiner, Pierre‑Marcel Prêtre, and the late maestro Riccardo Abbado. He has been Chorus Master at Italy’s venerable Teatro Regio di Torino, Teatro La Fenice and the Fondazione Teatro Carlo Felice, where he currently serves.
From 1 July 2026, Maestro Moretti will take the helm at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna, a historic venue that will host the competition’s finale. His choir will deliver the winners’ works in Piazza Maggiore, the very heart of the city, providing a resonant backdrop for the commemorative events marking the victims of the 2 August 1980 Bologna train‑station massacre.
2026 Competition Highlights
- Opening Date & Eligibility
The competition is open to composers of any nationality born after 31 December 1991. No entry fee is required. - Work Requirements
Form: Vocal soloist (soprano, mezzo‑soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone, or bass) + mixed choir (SATB) + orchestra.
Text: Must be in Latin, Italian, English, French, Spanish, or German. Public‑domain texts are accepted; for copyrighted works, rights must be secured and declared.
Duration: Maximum of 9 minutes.
Orchestration Limits (to ensure outdoor viability):- 2 flutes (2nd doubles piccolo)
- 2 oboes (2nd doubles English horn)
- 2 clarinets (2nd doubles bass clarinet)
- 2 bassoons (2nd doubles contrabassoon)
- 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, bass trombone, tuba
- 1 timpanist, 2 percussionists
- Harp
- Strings (8‑6‑4‑4‑2)
- Choir ≈ 50 voices
Performance Suitability: Jury will disqualify any piece that would not translate well to an outdoor stage, even with amplification.
- Prizes
1st Prize: €6 000
2nd Prize: €3 000
3rd Prize: €2 000 - Final Performance
Winning works will be performed live on 2 August 2026 in Piazza Maggiore, broadcast on Radiotre (radio) and Rai5 (delayed TV). - Submission Details
- Deadline: 31 May 2026, 24:00 GMT
- Platform: www.concorso2agosto.it – “2026 EDITION” section, “SUBSCRIBE” form
- Requirements: Anonymous score (no identifying markings), optional MP3/WAV demo, “canto‑piano” version for vocalists, orchestral parts to be supplied within 15 days post‑results.
- Administrative
Winners will need to provide tax and banking details (valid Italian tax code, IBAN, etc.) for prize distribution. The competition is exempt from withholding tax, but winners must declare the award in their annual tax return.
Why This Matters
The “2 Agosto” competition is not just a call for new music; it is a memorial platform that merges artistic innovation with civic remembrance. With a seasoned maestro like Claudio Marino Moretti at the helm, participants can expect a performance that respects both the solemnity of the event and the artistic integrity of contemporary choral writing.
For young composers, the opportunity is twofold: a chance to see their work staged by a world‑class choir in one of Italy’s most iconic public spaces, and the prospect of a live broadcast that could open doors to further commissions and collaborations.
How to Get Involved
- Draft Your Score – Keep the orchestration and duration guidelines in mind.
- Secure Text Rights – If you choose a non‑public‑domain text, clear usage rights now to avoid disqualification.
- Record a Demo – Even a simple synthetic recording can help the jury grasp the musical intent.
- Upload – Use the online portal before 31 May 2026.
- Stay Informed – Follow the competition’s website for jury announcements and result dates.
For any questions, composers may contact the competition office at info@concorso2agosto.it.
In Summary
Claudio Marino Moretti’s appointment signals a high‑level commitment to excellence for the XXXII International Composition Competition “2 Agosto.” For composers born after 1991, the window to contribute to a performance that honours history while pushing the boundaries of choral‑orchestral writing is open until 31 May 2026. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this landmark event—submit your score today and let your music resonate across the streets of Bologna.
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