The Domenic J. Pellicciotti Opera Composition Prize seeks proposals from composer/librettist teams for a $25,000 Opera Commissioning Award for a Spring 2030 premiere. The narrative or overall theme of the proposed opera should explore subject matter, narratives, or themes that broaden cultural perspectives, highlight shared human experiences, bridge community divides, or foster deep mutual understanding and connection within a global society.

Finalists selected from proposals received will be awarded $2,000 (per team) to write a 15–20 minute piano/vocal excerpt of their proposed work to be workshopped in a final round in Fall 2027. The winning team will receive the commission to complete the proposed work of 60–80 minutes in length for a Spring 2030 premiere at The Crane School of Music, State University of New York, Potsdam. Fees awarded will be split between the winning composers and librettists at the teams’ discretion. There is no fee to apply.

Please review all submission guidelines on the competition page before proceeding. Contact us at pellicciotti@potsdam.edu with any questions.

You will be able to save a partially finished application by clicking Save at the bottom of the form; do not click Submit before completing all required fields. Please submit your finished application here beginning September 15th, 2026 and no later than January 15th, 2027. 

Upload a single project proposal document (PDF) with the following information:

• Project Description: A detailed overview including its artistic impact and how it reflects the core theme of the Pellicciotti Prize.
• Synopsis & Scene Breakdown: An outline of the proposed narrative/dramatic structure.
• Character Breakdown: A complete list of characters with designated vocal types.
• Proposed Orchestration: Highly flexible and scalable orchestration that adapts to varying resources. Proposals should feature a creative, small ensemble structure that can also be effectively performed via a two-piano arrangement or similar reduced instrumentation.

Upload the relevant PDF scan(s) of the following:

• A letter from the copyright holder of any source material indicating permission has been secured for the creation of this work and its premiere performances, or an option/purchase contract demonstrating that these rights have been secured (financial details may be redacted).
• A signed statement from the composer and/or librettist indicating that no source materials under copyright will be used in this work.
• For projects based on living people, or for which life rights are required, applicants must submit proof that these rights have been secured.