TENNESSEE Voices of Poetry


Nashville Chamber Music Series is now accepting submissions! Please pick a poem by a Tennessee poet, and submit a piece inspired by or directly using text from that poem. Poetry used must either be public domain or used with permission.

All composers living in Tennessee are eligible to submit their work. Up to twelve winning composers will have their music performed by a choral and instrumental ensemble in Spring 2027. There is no fee to submit. All submissions must be sent uploaded and postmarked no later than November 15, 2026.

ENSEMBLE

The ensemble will consist of an 8-12 member chamber choir and instrumental ensemble consisting of flute, violin, cello, and piano.

Submissions can be any combination of the above. We do anticipate choosing several instrumental pieces, but will prioritize choral works.

TIMELINE

Submission deadline: November 15, 2026.

A panel of four judges will pick 10-12 finalists.

Finalists will be notified Mid December.

Finalists will have until March 31 to complete and submit their final works.

Rehearsals will occur throughout April culminating in a musical performance and poetry reading in late April or early May.

Submission Materials

The following must be submitted to nashville.chamber.music@gmail.com:

1. Full name and address
2. Short bio (500 characters or less)
3. One completed score and recording exemplifying your compositional skill and style.
4. A workshop of the piece to be performed. Score and MIDI rendering required. The piece can be incomplete or without full ensemble. We want a clear picture of your developing idea.

QUESTIONS? Reach out to nashville.chamber.music@gmail.com.

POETRY

All poetry needs to be written by Tennessee-based poets in order to qualify for this competition. More distantly, you can use poems like this one by Wallace Stevens, and others that directly reference the state of Tennessee or its locations. 

To get plugged in with Tennessee poets of all stripes, the Rabbit Room, Southern Word, and the Poetry Society of Tennessee are great places to start.

Competitors are responsible for obtaining permission to use any poetic work not in the public domain. Contact us if you need help reaching out to a poet for permission, or if you are unclear on whether a text is eligible or free to use.

TENNESSEE POETS

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