First Edition · Como, Italy · 2026
Application deadline · July 10, 2026
AEONIS – Como International Composition Award was founded to celebrate research and excellence in contemporary composition. The name and its open-stroke graphic identity embody the vision of the Award: to support works that, while rooted in the present, carry the power to inhabit a boundless time — keeping tradition alive by redefining the boundaries of musical language.
The Artistic Direction of the AEONIS – Como International Composition Award is pleased to announce the three finalist works selected by Beat Furrer:
Matteo Mendicino (2005)
Fioritura d’un’infezione
for flute, clarinet, and cello
Mariano Russo (b. 1998)
La vita dei frammenti
for violin, viola, and cello
Zhang Qianyi (b. 2006)
Overload
for flute, clarinet, violin, viola, and cello
We extend our sincere congratulations to the finalists and our gratitude to all composers who submitted their work to this edition.
On November 22 at 11:00 AM, the three finalist scores will be performed by mdi ensemble at the Sala Bianca of the Teatro Sociale di Como, as part of the prestigious 'Camera con Musica' concert series. The award ceremony will take place immediately following the performance.
At a glance
Who can apply
- Composers of any nationality, born on or after January 1, 1991
- Multiple works may be submitted
The work
- Duration: between 5 and 12 minutes
- Ensemble: from 3 to 6 performers
- Unpublished, unperformed, unawarded, and not previously released
- No electronics or amplification allowed
Award ceremony
- The three finalist works will be performed by mdi ensemble at the Teatro Sociale di Como. Awards will be announced at the end of the concert.
Jury
Composer and conductor Beat Furrer serves as the sole juror of this first edition. He is responsible for selecting the 3 finalist works and assigning the awards; his decisions are final and binding. The juror reserves the right not to award some or all prizes, and may recognise additional works beyond the three finalists.
Artistic direction is entrusted to composer Vittorio Zago.
READY TO APPLY?
Application deadline · July 10, 2026