The Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards discovers and champions youth and emerging composers from around the world. The awards were created to honor the late Marvin Hamlisch, paying tribute to his remarkable legacy as both an artist and an advocate for emerging talent.
The awards first began as the Marvin Hamlisch Film Scoring Contest, presented by the Washington, DC-based nonprofit CINE since 2013. Hundreds of composers worldwide competed annually in this unique contest for emerging media composers. In 2019, the Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards launched to continue and expand the contest’s impact, adding three additional categories: composition for musical theatre, film scoring, classical composition and jazz composition. In 2021, categories were added for contemporary pop and R&B songwriters.
Emerging and youth composers from around the world are encouraged to compete. View our awards categories for complete eligibility guidelines, deadlines, and registration.
The awards are presented annually in partnership with Queens College, the City University of New York. In 2021, the Marvin Hamlisch Awards were presented in a virtual ceremony with special guests including Barbra Streisand, Idina Menzel, Quincy Jones, Maria Friedman, Luci Arnaz, Sir Howard Stringer, Johnny Mathis and Melissa Manchester. The inaugural Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards were held on November 18, 2019 at the Lefrak Concert Hall of the Kupferberg Center for the Arts. For more information about our events and presentations, please join our email list. We are proud to partner with Queens College to honor its legendary alumnus, Marvin Hamlisch.
The Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
MISSION
To foster and champion a new generation of composers through an international music competition.
VISION
Recognizing talent and building a community of young composers worldwide, continuing Marvin Hamlisch’s legacy and passion for music.
Photo Credit: Inbal More Photography