The Camerata Strumentale di Prato and the Florence Philharmonic Orchestra – la Filharmonie are announcing the 3rd edition of the international competition for symphonic composition Dante 700 – “La dolce sinfonia di paradiso”. 

The submitted scores shall draw inspiration from the Canto XXXIII of Paradise (Divine Comedy) with specific reference to St. Bernard’s Prayer to the Virgin Mary, through whose intercession the Poet is granted the supreme vision—to contemplate God, the final destination of his otherworldly journey (vv. 1-39); the image of the Three Circles, representing the mystery of the Trinity and the Incarnation (vv. 115-132); and the renowned final line, “the Love that moves the sun and the other stars”. 

The competition is open to composers of any nationality, with no age limit, who are required to compose a symphonic piece (optionally with solo voice and/or live electronics) of a maximum of 15 minutes duration. 

A prestigious international jury composed by:

  • Anders Hillborg (President) – Composer
  • Silvia Colasanti – Composer
  • Mauro Montalbetti – Composer
  • Jonathan Webb – Music Director Camerata Strumentale di Prato
  • Hugo Ticciati – Conductor, violinist
  • Alberto Batisti – Artistic Director Camerata Strumentale di Prato
  • Paolo Cognetti – Composer, Pianist, Special Project Manager of La Filharmonie 

will oversee the entire process. Three scores will be selected for the final stage and will be evaluated by the jury at a public performance, after which the winner will be declared. The three finalists’ compositions will be performed and recorded during the future symphonic seasons of Camerata Strumentale di Prato and la Filharmonie, and broadcast by Rete Toscana Classica and RAI.   

  • Deadline: 15th July 2025,  00.00AM GMT+1
  • Subscription fee: 100 euros
  • Prizes: 1st prize 5000€ | 2nd prize 3000€ | 3rd prize 2000€
    • Publication of the score within the series Stilnovo by Edizioni Curci and promoted by CIDIM: Italian National Music Committee.
    • Live performance, audio-video recording and International broadcast of the finalist compositions 
    • Art residency for the finalist composers