The Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards (MHIMA) have officially launched the 2026–2027 competition season, inviting youth and emerging composers, songwriters, arrangers, and orchestrators from around the world to participate. The program, inspired by the legacy of legendary composer Marvin Hamlisch, aims to discover and nurture new musical talent by providing an international platform for original work, professional recognition, and industry engagement.
The competition introduces updated categories, expanded participation opportunities, and a renewed commitment to fostering the next generation of musical storytellers. Winners will be announced at the late fall 2027 Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards Presentation, to be held at the historic Avon Theatre Film Center in Stamford, Connecticut.
“Marvin Hamlisch believed deeply in nurturing talent and opening doors for the next generation of artists,” said Betsy Walters and Peter H. Gistelinck, Co-Founders of MHIMA. “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.”
The 2026–2027 competition will feature Youth and Emerging Divisions in several categories. The Film/Media Scoring category requires participants to create an original score for a provided short film. The Classical Composition category asks for an original concert work based on a creative prompt or scenario. Musical Theatre Composition involves creating an original musical theatre piece with music and lyrics inspired by a dramatic scenario. The Arranging & Orchestration category, newly expanded, invites participants to craft original arrangements and orchestrations inspired by material connected to Marvin Hamlisch’s musical legacy.
The competition is open to entrants from all countries. The Youth Division is for those under 18 years old at the registration deadline, while the Emerging Division is for those 18 or older who do not yet earn the majority of their income through professional composing, arranging, or songwriting. Undergraduate and graduate students, music educators, performers, and other music professionals who are not full-time composers remain eligible. All submitted works must be original and created specifically for the Awards; the use of generative artificial intelligence, stock music, pre-recorded compositions, or other non-original material is strictly prohibited.
Beyond the competition, all nominees will be invited to participate in an exclusive Professional Development and Networking Day in New York City, where they will engage with leading music industry executives for discussions, mentorship, career guidance, and networking—reflecting Hamlisch’s commitment to supporting young artists.
Submissions will undergo anonymous evaluation by professional judges based on musical literacy, creativity, originality, technological proficiency, dramatic or narrative connection to the prompt, and overall artistic excellence. Up to five nominees per category and division will be selected and then reviewed by a Distinguished Jury of internationally recognized artists and industry leaders, who will choose final award recipients. Special citations may also be presented.
Winners will receive an official Marvin Hamlisch International Music Award, while nominees will receive commemorative plaques. Prize packages may be awarded through MHIMA sponsors and industry partners. Selected winning works may be considered for publication by Concord (www.concord.com), one of the world’s leading music publishing organizations, subject to independent review. This represents a unique opportunity for emerging creators to gain industry visibility.
Registration details, deadlines, category requirements, prompts, and eligibility information are available on the official website at www.hamlischawards.org. The MHIMA Board of Trustees expressed gratitude to Concord and Caroline’s Cakes (www.carolinescakes.com), the founding and long-time sponsors of the Awards.
