The Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards (MHIMA) have announced the launch of their 2026-2027 competition season, inviting youth and emerging composers, songwriters, arrangers, and orchestrators globally to participate in a program designed to discover and nurture new musical talent. The competition, inspired by the legacy of the legendary composer Marvin Hamlisch, will feature updated categories and expanded participation opportunities, with winners announced at a ceremony in Stamford, Connecticut in late fall 2027.
Betsy Walters and Peter H. Gistelinck, co-founders of MHIMA, emphasized the organization's commitment to connecting emerging artists with mentors and industry professionals. "These Awards celebrate that spirit by connecting emerging creators with mentors, industry professionals, and opportunities that can help launch and sustain meaningful careers in music," they said in a statement.
The 2026-2027 competition includes four categories: Film/Media Scoring, Classical Composition, Musical Theatre Composition, and a newly expanded Arranging & Orchestration category that invites participants to create original works inspired by material connected to Marvin Hamlisch's musical legacy. All submissions must be original and created specifically for the Awards, with a strict prohibition on the use of generative artificial intelligence, stock music, or pre-recorded compositions.
The competition is divided into two divisions: Youth (under 18) and Emerging (18 or older, not earning majority income from composing). All nominees will be invited to participate in an exclusive Professional Development and Networking Day in New York City, featuring discussions, mentorship, and career guidance with leading music industry executives.
Submissions will undergo an anonymous evaluation process judged on musical literacy, creativity, technological proficiency, dramatic connection to the prompt, and overall artistic excellence. Up to five nominees per category and division will be selected, then reviewed by a Distinguished Jury of internationally recognized artists. Winners receive an official award, and selected works may be considered for publication by Concord, a leading music publishing organization.
The competition honors Marvin Hamlisch, a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, Academy, Grammy, Emmy, Tony, and Golden Globe Awards, whose work in film, theatre, television, and popular culture remains influential. Registration details and submission guidelines are available on the official website at www.hamlischawards.org. The MHIMA Board of Trustees expressed gratitude to sponsors Concord and Caroline's Cakes for their continued support.
