THE MARVIN HAMLISCH INTERNATIONAL MUSIC AWARDS ANNOUNCE 2026–2027 GLOBAL COMPETITION

NEW YORK, NY, June 23, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — The Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards (MHIMA) proudly announce the launch of the 2026–2027 competition season, inviting youth and emerging composers, songwriters, arrangers, and orchestrators from around the world to participate in one of the music industry’s most distinctive programs dedicated to discovering, encouraging, and celebrating new musical talent.

Inspired by the extraordinary legacy of legendary composer Marvin Hamlisch, the Awards provide young and emerging artists with an international platform to create original work, receive professional recognition, engage with industry leaders, and develop meaningful career opportunities.

The 2026–2027 competition introduces updated categories, expanded participation opportunities, and a renewed commitment to fostering the next generation of musical storytellers across multiple disciplines.

The 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 & 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.”

2026–2027 Competition Categories
The Awards will feature Youth and Emerging Divisions in the following categories:

Film / Media Scoring
Participants will receive a short film and create an original score designed to enhance the dramatic and emotional impact of the visual narrative.

Classical Composition
Participants will respond to a creative prompt or scenario and compose an original concert work demonstrating artistic imagination and technical proficiency.

Musical Theatre Composition
Participants will create an original musical theatre composition featuring both music and lyrics inspired by a provided dramatic scenario.

Arranging & Orchestration
A newly expanded category will invite participants to create original arrangements and orchestrations inspired by material connected to the musical legacy of Marvin Hamlisch, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic interpretation.

A Global Opportunity for Emerging Artists
The Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards are open to composers, arrangers, and songwriters from all countries and territories.

The competition is divided into two categories:

Youth Division
For entrants under eighteen (18) years of age at the registration deadline.

Emerging Division
For entrants eighteen (18) years of age or older who do not yet earn the majority of their income through professional, full-time composing, arranging, or songwriting. Undergraduate and graduate students, music educators, performers, and other music professionals who are not full-time composers remain eligible to participate.

All submitted works must be original and created specifically for the Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards. To preserve artistic integrity and originality, the use of generative artificial intelligence, stock music, pre-recorded compositions, or other non-original source material is strictly prohibited.

Professional Development Beyond the Competition
More than a competition, the Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards are designed to serve as a bridge between emerging artists and the professional music industry. All nominees will be invited to participate in an exclusive Professional Development and Networking Day in New York City. This unique experience will bring nominees together with leading music industry executives for discussions, mentorship opportunities, career guidance, and networking.

The program reflects Marvin Hamlisch’s lifelong commitment to supporting young artists and creating pathways for future success.

Judging and Selection Process
All submissions will undergo a rigorous anonymous evaluation process to ensure fairness and impartiality.

Entries will be assessed by professional judges according to criteria including:
• Musical Literacy and Proficiency
• Creativity and Originality
• Technological Proficiency
• Dramatic or Narrative Connection to the Prompt
• Overall Artistic Excellence

Up to five nominees may be selected in each category and division.

Nominees will then advance to review by a Distinguished Jury composed of internationally recognized artists and industry leaders, who will select the final award recipients. In addition to category awards, special citations and honors may be presented at the discretion of the jury.

Awards, Recognition, and Industry Opportunities
Each winner will receive an official Marvin Hamlisch International Music Award, while nominees will receive commemorative plaques recognizing their achievement.

Prize packages may also be awarded through MHIMA sponsors and industry partners.

Selected winning works may be considered for publication by Concord, one of the world’s leading music publishing and theatrical licensing organizations. Publication opportunities remain subject to Concord’s independent review and approval and are not guaranteed, but represent a unique opportunity for emerging creators to gain industry visibility and professional recognition.

Continuing Marvin Hamlisch’s Legacy
Few artists have left a broader impact on music than Marvin Hamlisch. A recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, Tony Awards, and Golden Globe Awards, Hamlisch created some of the most beloved music in film, theatre, television, and popular culture.

The Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards honor that remarkable legacy by encouraging excellence, creativity, and innovation while helping cultivate the next generation of composers and musical storytellers.

Registration Information
Registration details, deadlines, category requirements, prompts, eligibility information, and submission guidelines are available on the official Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards website. Please visit: www.hamlischawards.org

Sponsorships
The MHIMA Board of Trustees is extremely grateful to Concord www.concord.com and Caroline’s Cakes www.carolinescakes.com, the Founding and long-time sponsors of the Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards, for their generosity since the very beginning of this competition.

Media Contact
Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards
Email: hello@hamlischawards.org
Website: www.hamlischawards.org

About the Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards
The Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards recognizes and supports exceptional emerging musical talent from around the world. Through competition, mentorship, professional development, and industry engagement, the Awards provide a unique platform for young and emerging artists to advance their creative and professional journeys while honoring the enduring legacy of Marvin Hamlisch.

More info about Marvin Hamlisch can be found at www.marvinhamlisch.com
Info about the competition is available on www.hamlischawards.org

—
For the original version of this press release, please visit 24-7PressRelease.com here