The Black Pencil Prize 2026 is now open for submissions! 

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This international open call invites composers of all ages and nationalities to create a new work for Black Pencil Ensemble inspired by Almere.  The 2026 edition is held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Almere, the youngest city in the Netherlands, also known as “Ally.” Composers are invited to draw inspiration from one of four sub-themes:

• Ally Nature

• Ally Architecture

• Ally Stories

• Ally Next

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Requirements

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Age limit: none

Application fee: none

Nationality requirements: none

Duration: 1 to 2 minutes​​ 

Instrumentation: Preferably for the full ensemble: recorder, panflute, viola, accordion, and percussion. Submissions are also welcome for solo works or any combination of these instruments.

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Application

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​The deadline for this application is: 15 June 2026, 09:00 CET

 

A complete application contains:

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• Most recent biography of max. 200 words (in English)

• A recent photo of the composer in high resolution

• A program note: a description of the composition, max. 200 words (in English). inclusive mentioning the chosen Ally theme: nature, architecture, stories, city of dreams (Ally Future, Ally New Horizons, Ally Next).

• If applicable: a brief description of any special features, such as preparation of instruments, electronics, props,etc.

• The score and parts of the piece, together with the necessary performance instructions in PDF. Please use your real name: a pseudonym is not needed.

• A link to a downloadable MIDI audio file (in mp3 format) for reference - the link should be direct with granted access for download

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Prizes

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In addition to the prizes listed below, selected finalists will be announced and their works performed by the Black Pencil Ensemble at Kunstlinie on 18 October 2026.

The selected compositions will also remain accessible through the Music for Ally Walk web application, ensuring a lasting presence within Almere.

 

• First prize €3.000

• Second prize €1000

• A professional studio recording of the winning compositions

• Performance of the pieces during a selection of concerts of Black Pencil

• Additional prizes will be considered

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​ Jury

All members of Ensemble Black Pencil and Arnoud Noordegraaf (composer)

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​The jury will choose 3 to 5 finalists, from which the winning compositions will be selected.

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Please understand the prize receives many applications: send your submission and information about the composition(s) as clearly as possible.

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​For detailed information about each one of the instruments and how to write for Black Pencil, please visit blackpencil.org/forcomposers.

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Jorge Isaac – Recorder, Artistic Director
Matthijs Koene – Panflute
Esra Pehlivanli – Viola
Marko Kassl – Accordion
Enric Monfort – Percussion

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Ally? Who’s Ally?
Ally is more than a name.
Born as street slang for Almere, it has grown into a symbol of the beating heart of a young city. A name that lives, on walls, in art, in stories, and in the voices of its residents. From the iconic Ally staircase in the city center to initiatives in every neighborhood: Ally is everywhere.
It is a symbol of pride and identity.
Of a city that is young, creative, connected, and constantly in motion.
 

Be inspired by Almere. 
Just fifty years ago, the first generation of residents set foot on this new land in Flevoland. Those were pioneers, often from Amsterdam, who started something entirely new together. Today, Almere has grown into a vibrant city of over 230,000 inhabitants, where the third and fourth generations are now growing up.
A city of contrasts and convergence: over 160 nationalities, each with their own story, together shaping a shared future. Almere is the largest city in Flevoland, and the youngest and fastest-growing city in the Netherlands. Ambitious to grow further, not just in size, but in quality. A city that is healthy, livable, and connected.

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