Island Symphony Orchestra and Walt Whitman Birthplace Association Announce Poetry Open Call for Spring 2027 Concert

Long Island poets invited to submit original works celebrating renewal and hope for a special performance combining poetry and classical music.

BAY SHORE, NY — The Island Symphony Orchestra (ISO), in partnership with the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, is inviting Long Island poets to submit original poetry for an upcoming concert, Spring: The Season of Renewal and Hope, taking place Saturday, March 13, 2027, at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Bay Shore, New York.

The concert will celebrate the arrival of spring through an inspiring combination of classical music and spoken word, featuring musical works by Mahler, Haydn, and Liszt alongside live readings by six selected Long Island poets.

The open call welcomes writers across generations, offering an opportunity for emerging and established poets to share their voices with a live audience.

A Celebration of Poetry, Music, and Renewal

Six poems will be selected for presentation during the concert, representing three categories:

High School Students: Two selected poets
Poets Under 50: Two selected poets
Poets Over 50: Two selected poets

Selected poets will be invited to read their original work during the March 13 performance. Each selected poet will receive a $150 stipend and two complimentary concert tickets.

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel consisting of Matt Pasca, Chip Williford, and Cheryl Williams.

Poetry Submission Guidelines

The open call is available to Long Island residents, with no entry fee required.

Important dates:

Submissions Open: November 1, 2026
Submission Deadline: December 31, 2026
Selected Poets Announced: January 31, 2027
Concert Performance: March 13, 2027

Submission requirements:

Submit up to two original poems in a single Word or PDF document.
Each poem must be no longer than 30 lines.
Haiku submissions will not be accepted.
Poems may be written in the author’s native language when accompanied by an English translation.
All identifying information must be removed from the poems themselves. The poet’s name should appear only on the submission form.
Submissions must be completed through the official online form. Mailed and emailed submissions will not be accepted.

How to Submit Your Poetry

Beginning November 1, 2026, interested poets can visit the Island Symphony Orchestra website at www.islandsymphony.org to access the official poetry submission form.

Whether exploring themes of personal growth, new beginnings, nature, or hope, Long Island poets are encouraged to interpret the spirit of spring through their own creative perspectives.

About the Island Symphony Orchestra

Established in 1971, the Bay Shore-based Island Symphony Orchestra has a longstanding tradition of bringing internationally acclaimed guest artists and outstanding musical performances to Long Island audiences. The orchestra also showcases young virtuosi through a series of free concerts and performs with the winner of its annual Young Person’s Competition each May.

Learn more at www.islandsymphony.org.

About the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association

The Walt Whitman Birthplace Association is dedicated to preserving the birthplace of renowned American poet Walt Whitman and celebrating his literary legacy through educational programming, cultural events, and community engagement.

Learn more at www.waltwhitman.org.