Pathétique Melodramma
Is an original four-act opera structured around the complete and unaltered performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 "Pathétique". The original libretto, written by Gianluca Giadima, is registered with SIAE — Società Italiana degli Autori ed Editori — since 27 December 2017.
The opera is conceived as a philosophical redefinition of both the operatic form and the Requiem: not a celebration of death, but its transformation.
The founding concept is expressed in the opera's motto: non requiem aeternam, sed lux perpetua vivens.
The dramaturgical, narrative and visual architecture of the work is complete in every part. The fourth act — the Requiem Ex Tenebris Vita — requires an original musical composition: the object of this international call.
The Commission: original Requiem
Beyond the final silence of the symphony emerges Act IV — Ex Tenebris Vita — an original Requiem of 18–20 minutes, conceived not as mourning but as a philosophical redefinition of death itself. Not requiem aeternam. Lux perpetua vivens.
Technical specifications: full symphonic orchestra (Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 forces) — mixed choir approx. 60–80 voices — vocal soloists integrated within the choral structure — text in Latin — duration 18–20 minutes — style consistent with the late-Romantic Russian orchestral tradition.
Scientific Committee
The selection is entrusted to the Scientific Committee, composed of:
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Artistic Direction — Author, Dramaturg and Artistic Director of Pathetique Melodramma;
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Opera & Symphonic Music — Representative of the international opera and symphonic community;
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Editorial & Musicological — Representative of the international music publishing sector.
Who can apply
Composers* of any nationality and age, with:
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At least one orchestral or choral work performed publicly in an institutional context
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Full understanding of the dramaturgical project — documentation available upon request
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Openness to dialogue with the author and the Scientific Committee
*Unsolicited applications of exceptional artistic merit may be considered, even in the absence of requirement 1.
The selected composer will receive a total compensation* of €24.000, paid in progressive** instalments linked to agreed milestones, or in a single payment if the composition is deemed complete and final.
* Compensation is determined in accordance with the Nieuw Geneco Fair Practice Code for composition commissions, 2025–2026 edition.
**The selected composer will be available for a period of dialogue and adaptation with the Scientific Committee, included in the compensation.
How to apply
Submit the following documents:
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Curriculum vitae with list of compositions and documented public performances
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Statement of intent (max 500 words) describing your artistic vision for the Requiem in relation to the project
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Complete composition Ex Tenebris Vitain full score (PDF) and audio format (MIDI or orchestral recording)
Incomplete applications, drafts or single movements will not be accepted. The composition must be submitted in its entirety.
Applications must be submitted exclusively via WeTransfer to call@pathetiquemelodramma.org, using the SUBMITbutton on this page.
(the full project dossier)
The WeTransfer transfer must include all required documents in a single upload: full score (PDF), audio file (MIDI or orchestral recording), curriculum vitae and statement of intent.
Additional technical details for the submission process will be made available on this page upon the official opening of the call.
(upload your attaches)
Opening: 01 September 2026 — €24.000
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Opening of the call: on the date of publication on the official website www.pathetiquemelodramma.org
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Deadline for requesting project documentation: 31 August 2026
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Deadline for submission of applications: 30 September 2026, 23:59 CET
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Announcement of results: by 30 November 2026, via press conference and on the official channels of the project
Pathétique Melodramma
Pathetique Melodramma — Opera Lirica Internazionale
In dialogue with
Donemus Publishing B.V. — Amsterdam | Fonds Podiumkunsten — The Hague