2026 Handbell Commission

Twin Cities Bronze is excited to announce its 2026 Commission!

ABOUT TWIN CITIES BRONZE: TCB is a professional handbell ensemble based out of Eagan, Minnesota. TCB uniquely performs without a conductor and is comprised of annually auditioned, advanced ringers. This ensemble is known for performing dynamic programs, featuring music by living, working composers, as well as providing educational workshops and bi-annual tours all over the nation. TCB has a special interest in exploring the full range of handbell techniques and styles, as well as presenting new music in unique spaces.

ABOUT THE COMMISSION: the call is open to composers of any age who 1) are mid-career to professional artists with a demonstrated experience writing for advanced handbell ensembles, OR 2) are mid-career to professional artists with demonstrated experience in their medium(s) and a strong interest in actively working with TCB to develop a new work for handbells.

Composers new to writing for advanced handbell ensembles will have the opportunity to workshop with TCB, with real-time readings/feedback of works in progress.

Priority consideration will be offered to proposals by composers from Area 7 of Handbell Musicians of America; though, proposals from eligible composers everywhere are encouraged to apply. Composers from unique backgrounds and/or from historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

While Twin Cities Bronze greatly appreciates arrangements of pre-existing works, the expectation of the selected composer for the 2026 Commission will be to write an original work. We are seeking a Level 4-6 work, 3.5-7 minute piece, using our complement of bells/chimes/other. The work will be completed in time for premiere at the 2026 Spring Concert Cycle in May.

Proposals will be accepted through Friday, October 10, with a panel review to take place in October and notification of selection by November 1. The selected composer will receive $2,000 upon completion of a newly composed work.

TO APPLY: send an email with the following information:

1) Composer Information
– Composer’s Name
– Website (if applicable/available)
– Email
– Mailing Address
– Phone Number
– Composer Bio
— Please include a link to your website and/or other source for biographical information (e.g., CV).

2) Why Handbells?
– If you are a composer with demonstrated experience writing music for advanced handbell ensembles, what excites or motivates you to write for the instrument?
– If you are a composer new to writing for handbells with demonstrated experience in your medium(s), what excites or motivates you to explore writing for this instrument?
– If selected, are you willing to actively communicate with the Artistic Director and workshop with Twin Cities Bronze?

3) Work Samples
– Submit scores of up to three recent representative works:
— At least one of the scores submitted must have an accompanying audio file—recording(s) may be midi rendering(s) or live performance(s).

4) Optional: Proposed Work
– If you have an idea and want to share a brief description or outline of a proposed work, that is welcome but not expected.

For any questions, please contact via email at director@twincitiesbronze.org.