Open call: Phoenix Boys Choir 2026 choral competition

Overview
The Phoenix Boys Choir, a longstanding institution in the American choral tradition, announces an open call for its 2026 choral competition. This contest seeks original poetry and translations that will be considered for musical setting, bridging the literary and choral arts. The competition is open globally, with a particular emphasis on submissions from Africa, reflecting a commitment to diverse voices and cross-cultural exchange. While the exact deadline is not specified, the competition offers no submission fee, ensuring accessibility for all poets and translators. The prizes—$1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second, and $500 for third—recognize excellence in poetic craft and translation. Winning works may be selected for performance by the Phoenix Boys Choir, providing a rare opportunity for poets to have their words interpreted through music. The curatorial vision behind this competition is to identify texts that possess a lyrical quality suitable for choral composition. The choir's repertoire often draws from sacred and secular traditions, and submissions that resonate with themes of community, nature, or the human experience are likely to be of interest. This call represents a unique intersection of poetry and music, inviting poets to consider the auditory dimension of their work.