The city of Kyoto is renowned for its beauty, culture and history.
For centuries Japan’s political centre and the emperor’s residence, it is still considered the cultural capital of Japan in the present day.

County Hall Arts (CHA) is delighted to announce its latest concours in honour of this great city. Classical music composers are invited to submit proposals for the Symphony Kyoto and the opportunity to win a prize of €100,000.

Proposals should be inspired by and reflect Kyoto’s history and culture as it has persisted through times of war and peace and evoke the tragedy and hope that attends the city’s dramatic past and visionary future.
The first stage of the competition invites composers to submit a short "pitch document" (up to 3 pages) setting out their vision for this classically composed Symphony Kyoto. In addition, please supply an audio file or link to an earlier composition and biography/CV.

A selection of entrants will be long-listed and invited to create their symphony for a second stage of adjudication, with the winner due to be awarded a prize of €100,000.

By way of inspiration, Kyoto is home to numerous ancient temples, shrines, palaces and gardens — many of which are listed collectively by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site — as well over 100 Michelin-starred restaurants, many of which are dedicated to traditional Japanese cuisine.
The original city was arranged in accordance with traditional Chinese feng shui and inspired by the ancient Chinese capital of Chang’an. Over the centuries that followed, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires. However, the city was spared from large-scale destruction at the end of World War II, and as a result, its pre-war cultural heritage has mostly been preserved.