Introduction:

Music compositions form the cornerstone of music history, and the Hong KongChinese Orchestra has been playing an active role in its making since 1999 throughMusic from the Heart, an open platform that invites original works from talented composers, followed by performances and discussions. Many talents have beendiscovered and they have been active on the music scene and garnered international awards since.

To continue with the momentum, and to enhance sharing and exchange among composers within the region, the invitation exercise has been extended to theGuangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area* since 2019. Entries that have notbeen previously published will be given priority evaluation. Participant are required tocompose their piece on the historical topic about the greater bay area.

Requirements: 

Ensemble music

The submitted work should be for a Chinese ensemble of not more than 38 pieces, andthe duration should be within 10 minutes. (For the 38-piece setup, please read the form; and for the tonal range of instruments for the Chinese orchestra, please visit here)

Submission deadline:

All submissions should be sent by email to hkco.program@hkco.org no later than 12 Dec 2025. Please titled “Music from the Heart – Invitation for OriginalCompositions”. Each submission should include one full score, the Application Form duly filled in, the composer’s resume, a brief introduction of the entry, an audio DEMO of the entry work (MP3/WAV format), and a digital score stored in‘Finale’(or ‘Sibelius’) and PDF formats.

Performance:

Selected works will be performed by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in the 27th“Music from the Heart” concert held on 6 Mar 2026. A nominal royalty fee ofHK$5, 000 will be paid for the work selected and performed, and the composer of thesaid work may continue to be commissioned for arranging or writing new works by the Orchestra in the future.

How to apply:

The Application Form can be downloaded here.

Other terms and conditions:

The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the details of the competition. For updated information, please visit the website of the Orchestra or make inquiries at(+852) 3185 1631 or through whatsapp (+852) 5124 5618.

* This open invitation is for holders of a valid Hong Kong Identity Card and for residents and employees in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Areaonly. Please submit documents of proof together with the Application Form when applying.