Applications are now open to represent the UK at the ISCM World New Music Days Festival 2026, which will take place in Bucharest, Romania from 23–31 May 2026.
The International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM) is an international network of members from around fifty countries, devoted to the promotion and presentation of new and contemporary music.
The 2026 WNMD festival is subtitled “Columna Infinita”, inspired by the famous sculpture by 20th-century Romanian art icon Constantin Brâncuși (whose sesquicentennial will be celebrated in 2026).
Sound and Music represents the British Section of the ISCM and supports UK-based composers to have work performed at the annual ISCM World New Music Days Festival.
One composer from each member country has the opportunity to have their work performed and attend, after applying via their country’s section and being selected from a shortlist by the associate member’s panel.
Bucharest, Romania
How do I apply?
Apply for the ISCM British Section via Sound and Music below, or visit our dedicated ISCM hub for more information and to see previous shortlists and selected works.
Welsh composers are encouraged to apply to the ISCM Welsh Section via Tŷ Cerdd.
There are 14 categories for which submissions are invited to be presented at the festival. You can submit works by sending a PDF version of the score plus an audio or video recording of the work (if available), or audio/video documentation if the work does not have a written score.
Please read our Call for Works document carefully before making a submission.
The call closes at 23:59 GMT on Monday 8 September.
Learn more about the ISCM British section and see previous winners
Visit the ISCM World New Music Days Festival 2026 website
Read Sam Hayden’s blog from ISCM WMND 2025
More opportunities for composers and creators