NewBassoon Performance Competition
The NewBassoon Performance Competition returns this year with a call for solo performers aged 30 and under with a passion for contemporary music. The competition finals will be held at the 2026 NewBassoon Institute at Appalachian State University.
Awards
- First place: $1000 USD cash prize
- Second place: $500 USD cash prize
- Third place: $250 USD cash prize
- Honorable mention: $100 gift certificate
Eligibility
Bassoonists of all nationalities born after January 1, 1996 are eligible to compete.
Application Process
All entrants must submit an online application, including a live, unedited video recording of the preliminary round repertoire. The deadline for submission of all materials is March 1, 2026.
Finalists will be chosen from the preliminary round recordings and invited to compete live at the NewBassoon Institute, June 8-14, 2026. Finalists will be notified by March 15.
If selected as a finalist, entrants must register for the Institute and travel to Boone, NC for the Institute and competition.
Preliminary Round
Repertoire: Your choice of a solo composed since 1980 for unaccompanied bassoon, or for bassoon with fixed media or live electronics. For suggestions, see our list of recommended repertoire below.
Length: 6 minute minimum. For longer works, an excerpt is permitted for the preliminary round recording.
Final Round
The live final round repertoire will consist of two works:
- Dai Fujikura, Secret Leaves
- Your choice of a solo composed since 1980 for unaccompanied bassoon, or for bassoon with fixed media or live electronics. (6 minute minimum)
Jury
The jury is comprised of NewBassoon Institute faculty Rachael Elliott, Lynn Hileman, Stephanie Patterson, and David Wells.
Recommended Repertoire
Looking for inspiration for your Preliminary Round repertoire?
While you may perform any work of your choice composed after 1980, the following list is representative of suitable works, including well known classics of the contemporary repertoire as well as newer pieces.
- Maria Gstättner, Schnittmuster I
- Isang Yun, Monolog
- Phillipe Hersant, Niggun
- Holly Harrison, Shapeshifter
- Michele Abondano, Infinitely Ethereal
- Xinyan Li, Legend of the Sea
- Roger Zare, Seas of the Moon
- Fang Man, Lament
- Kalevi Aho, Solo V
- Elliott Carter, Retracing
- Thomas Dempster, ahalugisdi unole (to quiet the wind)
- Brad Balliett, Waltzes and Caprices
- John Steinmetz, Laments
- Linda Antas, Amavasya
- Katy Abbott, MultiSonics
- Shuying Li, After Rain
- Nicole DeMaio, Solo for Bassoon Alone