The Domenic J. Pellicciotti Composition Prize was founded by Dr. Gary C. Jaquay to honor his life partner Dominic J. Pellicciotti, an ardent fan of opera. The Prize was previously awarded to composer/librettist Tom Cipullo in 2018 for Mayo and to composer Timothy Takach and librettist Caitlin Vincent in 2024 for Computing Venus.
2030 Domenic J. Pellicciotti Composition Prize Call for Proposals
The Domenic J. Pellicciotti Opera Composition Prize now seeks proposals from composer/librettist teams for a $25,000 Opera Commissioning Award for a Spring 2030 premiere. The narrative or overall theme of the proposed opera should explore subject matter, narratives, or themes that broaden cultural perspectives, highlight shared human experiences, bridge community divides, or foster deep mutual understanding and connection within a global society.
Finalists selected from proposals received will be awarded $2,000 (per team) to write a 15–20 minute piano/vocal excerpt of their proposed work to be workshopped in a final round in Fall 2027. The winning team will receive the commission to complete the proposed work of 60–80 minutes in length for a Spring 2030 premiere at The Crane School of Music, State University of New York, Potsdam. Fees awarded will be split between the winning composers and librettists at the teams’ discretion. There is no fee to apply.
Preliminary Proposals Should Include:
- Project Description: A detailed overview including its artistic impact and how it reflects the core theme of the Pellicciotti Prize.
- Synopsis & Scene Breakdown: An outline of the proposed narrative/dramatic structure.
- Character Breakdown: A complete list of characters with designated vocal types.
- Proposed Orchestration: Highly flexible and scalable orchestration that adapts to varying resources. Proposals should feature a creative, small ensemble structure that can also be effectively performed via a two-piano arrangement or similar reduced instrumentation.
- Composers' Work Samples: Three samples of previous work (total maximum timing of 30 minutes). The works should demonstrate both vocal and orchestral writing appropriate to the proposed forces. Computer realized audio files (e.g. MIDI) are acceptable, but at least one live performance recording is preferable. Scores (PDF format) and audio recordings (MP3 format or YouTube links only) must be included for each sample.
- Librettists' Work Samples: Three excerpts of previous work samples (at least one piece must be a text that has been set to music, submitted in PDF format). Audio recordings of works set to music (MP3 format only) for at least one of the samples are requested, if available. Excerpts of texts not yet set to music should reflect the author’s ability to write for a dramatic setting.
- Biographies: A bio for each composer and librettist (500 words max each), including a statement of relevant collaborative activity.
- Rights & Permissions Documentation: A PDF scan of either:
- A letter from the copyright holder of any source material indicating permission has been secured for the creation of this work and its premiere performances, or an option/purchase contract demonstrating that these rights have been secured (financial details may be redacted).
- A signed statement from the composer and/or librettist indicating that no source materials under copyright will be used in this work. For projects based on living people, or for which life rights are required, applicants must submit proof that these rights have been secured.
- Collaboration: Proposals reflecting established collaborations between a composer and librettist are strongly encouraged. Individuals writing both music and libretto may apply alone.
- Cast & Difficulty: Proposed operas should be appropriate for students (vocal and instrumental) in an undergraduate music program to perform. A flexible and scalable SATB or mixed-voice ensemble is desirable.
- Duration: The total length of the winning project is expected to be 60–80 minutes.
- Libretti must be primarily in English.
- Score Preparation: Engraving and part preparation will be the sole responsibility of the award recipients.
- AI Policy: All submitted text and music must be the original creation of the human applicants. Generative AI tools may not be used to create any part of the submitted project description, libretto, or musical score.
- Rights Retention: For projects based on sources not in the public domain, permission for stage adaptation as an opera must be obtained in advance from the relevant copyright holder(s), publisher, and/or commissioner. This must cover the work’s creation, its premiere performances through Spring 2030, and non-commercial recordings for educational and promotional purposes. Any applicable fees related to licensing, optioning, or underlying rights remain the responsibility of the applicant.
- Eligibility: Persons directly associated with SUNY Potsdam or The Crane School of Music, as well as previous winners of the Pellicciotti Prize, are not eligible to participate. Persons may only submit or be part of one application. International applicants are welcome; however, finalists/winners are responsible for all visa expenses and travel outside the continental U.S.
- Project Status: Only proposals for new works (i.e., projects which have not yet proceeded beyond initial planning stages) will be considered.
- Institutional Collaboration: Winners agree to work collaboratively during the process with the school’s creative team (music director and stage director) as well as the contracted dramaturg.
Electronic applications only. Submissions of physical media will not be accepted.
- Submission Portal Opening: September 15, 2026. Link will be published here.
- Deadline for Proposal Submission: January 15, 2027.
Please contact us at pellicciotti@potsdam.edu with any questions.
Complete Timeline (Subject to Revision)
- August 17, 2026: Call for Scores Announced
- September 15, 2026 – January 15, 2027: Submission Portal Open
- Fall 2027: Finalists Workshops
- December 2027: Winner Announced
- To Be Determined: Winner Libretto Workshop
- Fall/Spring 2028–2029: Winner Complete Workshop
- Spring 2030: Premiere Performance at The Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam
Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence with thriving programs in performance, composition, music business, history and theory. Life at Crane is SUNY’s only All-Steinway institution and includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. Crane School of Music students regularly premiere new works, study with guest conductors and visiting artists, and perform in nationally televised concerts. Our symphony and chorus have performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and the traveling choir has performed in churches across Germany and Spain.
Crane Opera Ensemble is a significant source for opera and music theatre in the North Country region of New York State, providing exciting opportunities for students to experience all facets of opera performance and production. Two fully-staged productions are produced each year, and an Opera Scenes Workshop provides students the opportunity to study and perform a partial role. The Crane Opera Ensemble has garnered multiple awards from the National Opera Association Production Competition American Prize in Opera To date, over 6,000 North Country school children have participated in Crane’s outreach program, many experiencing opera for the first time.