Edge of the Center

For Immediate Release: June in Buffalo 2026 is the Year of the Composer/Conductor

 

June in Buffalo 2026 will run from June 1-7, 2026.

 

 

 

With more than 50 years of history, June in Buffalo is a landmark festival and conference dedicated to emerging and established voices in contemporary music. Hosted annually at the University at Buffalo, it’s widely known as a place composers come to grow, connect and have their work brought to life by top-tier performers and ensembles.

June in Buffalo 2026 is the year of the composer/conductor. Each participant composer will conduct her/his own composition in multiple rehearsals and a performance with the Festival’s resident ensemble, the Slee Sinfonietta. Participants will be mentored in this process by an outstanding and dynamic group of senior figures including Christian Baldini, Jason Thorpe Buchanan, David Dzubay and David Fulmer, each a celebrated leader as both composer and conductor. The number of composers who can be accommodated in such an undertaking is smaller than in a typical year at the Festival, and we are expecting that the application process will be highly competitive.

 

 

As always, participant composers will benefit from the full range of June in Buffalo’s programmatic activities, including masterclasses with senior composers, composer talks, and additional workshops. More recent additions to the JiB curriculum include opportunities to perform an original solo work in an uncurated program and to take part in our “late night” improvisation ensemble.

 

Whether you’re an emerging composer or an established voice, June in Buffalo is your chance to grow, create and connect in a supportive environment. Below you’ll find all the information you need to apply and take part in this transformative experience. June in Buffalo 2026 offers a unique opportunity for composer/conductors to prepare for the important artistic and professional leadership roles which await these most essential figures in the landscape of new music. 

 

How to Apply

Application Deadline:

All application materials and the processing fee must be submitted by February 15. 

Full details will be made available on the June in Buffalo website in early January, and all materials and payments will be accepted through the portals to be found on that website.

Application materials will include:

1. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

2. Performance Proposals and Scores

• Submit one or two proposals for works to be performed by the Slee Sinfonietta.
• Proposed works may include electronic elements.
• Proposals should briefly describe the work, including length, full instrumentation and any technical requirements.
• Proposals of works in progress will be considered.

3. Scores

• Submit scores/drafts of your proposed works for JiB and one or two additional scores showcasing your recent compositional activity.
• For works in progress, please send whatever partial scores or sketch materials you feel will be represent the current state of your work by the Feb.15 application deadline. The deadline for completed scores is April 1. All performance materials including any required score revisions, corrected parts and electronic elements must be received by April 22.
• Audio recordings of works submitted are requested, but not required.

Ensemble Instrumentation:

A maximum of 16 players of the Slee Sinfonietta drawn from the following:

·      Flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, French horn, 2 violins, viola, cello, double bass, piano/keyboards, harp and 2 percussion. Proposals for works of this scoring (or smaller) are highly encouraged.

·      Proposals may include saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and/or guitar (electric or acoustic), but the availability of these instruments will be limited.

·      Proposals may also include soprano voice.

·      Standard doublings are available for flute, clarinet, oboe and saxophone.

 

It is possible to apply for Auditor status. Auditors have access to the following:

• Senior composer lectures.
• All rehearsals, workshops and concerts.
• Masterclasses (as observers without presenting their own work).

Fees

·       $25 non-refundable processing fee

·      Participant Tuition: $800

·      Auditor Tuition: $400

Housing Costs

On-campus housing is available for non-UB students. The festival offers up to eight nights of accommodations in University dormitories; the cost for 2026 is currently estimated at $650.00 per participant.