Mizzou International Composers Festival

The week-long MICF will feature concerts of music by contemporary composers performed in front of live audiences, along with in-person workshops, master classes, and other events. Festival events take place in the Sinquefield Music Center and Missouri Theatre in Columbia, Missouri. Saturday night’s grand finale will present the world premieres composed by each of the festival’s resident composers, with Alarm Will Sound, conducted by artistic director Alan Pierson, serving as resident ensemble. 

MICF Resident Composers are selected each year through an online portfolio application process. During the festival, these resident composers will receive composition lessons from two Distinguished Guest Composers.

The 2026 MICF Distinguished Guest Composers will teach the Resident Composers and help facilitate consultations with the ensemble. Resident Composers* will take part in rehearsals with Alarm Will Sound and receive a professional live recording of their work. Festival tuition and lodging for each selected composer will be provided through generous contributions by the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation.

*MNMI will cover Resident Composers' lodging for the week of the festival and help to arrange ground transportation (when possible) to and from airports within Missouri. Selected Resident Composers are responsible for their flights and meals.