SOUNZ Community Commission applications sought

The SOUNZ Community Commission is made available through the generosity of an anonymous donor and is administered by SOUNZ on behalf of the donor. The aim of the commission is to bring professional contemporary music to the attention of the community and to allow a community group to work closely with a professional composer. It was established in 1999 and has resulted in works for such diverse groups as recorder choir, experimental sound artists and children’s theatre. The Community Commission for 2009 will be the 10th anniversary of this project.

The SOUNZ Community Commission is now open for applications. The deadline for applications is 5pm on 30 June. Click here for further information and here to download an application form.

CNZ/Jack C. Richards Composer-in-Residence 2009–10

Scottish Musician appointed Creative New Zealand/Jack C. Richards Composer-in-Residence at the New Zealand School of Music 2009-10

Scottish born composer and jazz musician John Rae, has been appointed the prestigious Creative New Zealand/Jack C. Richards Composer-in-Residence at the New Zealand School of Music 2009-10.

The year long residency offers the composer the opportunity to pursue creative activities and is hosted by the School of Music which is part of Wellington’s Victoria University.

“It’s pleasing to see such an experienced composer writing for non-classical forces being awarded the Composer-in-Residence,” says Michael Norris, Programme Leader for Composition at the New Zealand School of Music. “Although John was largely unknown to the selection panel, we were blown away by the sophistication of his pieces that stretch and redefine the boundaries of conventional jazz idioms. It is particularly exciting given the new synergies between jazz and classical traditions that are becoming a fertile ground for exploration for both staff and students at the New Zealand School of Music.”

John, who grew up in Livingston and Edinburgh, Scotland has been actively searching for a way to compose and play music in a stimulating environment in New Zealand since moving to New Zealand in 2005. He and his New Zealand wife and family have been living in Napier for the past 4 years.

“I am absolutely delighted to have received this wonderful opportunity and intend to give it my absolute best” said John. “I have been composing music since I was 16 years old and have played, improvised and composed music with some of the most creative contemporary jazz musicians in the world. This is a golden chance to give all my attention to writing music and extending myself musically” .

“Living in a smaller regional city has been very interesting, and now I am looking forward to moving to a larger city , especially Wellington that has such a strong music culture. The last couple of years I have had to do a lot of travelling and teaching in order to continuing to write and play full time the music I love…Jazz” he said.

“I have never let go the determination to be a full-time composer/musician and educator here in New Zealand. The Creative New Zealand/Jack C. Richards Composer-in-Residence gives me that breathing space to create and will I hope lead to bigger and better things for me here in New Zealand and internationally”.

John intends to concentrate on writing for orchestral groups of varying sizes, and to develop his passion for cross cultural music. “I also want to do some writing for dance and work with choreographers using the same philosophy. I want to integrate the various influences here in New Zealand in order to produce something unique and original that could only be done here” he said.

The residency is jointly funded by Creative New Zealand and private sponsor Jack C. Richards. John will relocate to Wellington in late June 2009, where he will be resident at the former home of composer Douglas Lilburn

For more information contact , ph. (04) 463 7456

AUCKLAND PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA: Composer-in-Residence

The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra is seeking expressions of interest for the position of its Composer in Residence for the 2010 season. The APO’s composer in residence program is New Zealand’s longest standing of its kind. Each composer writes several works for the orchestra and is extensively involved in mentoring the next generation of New Zealand composers through the APO’s Education programme.

The preferred candidate will also be able best to contribute to the APO’s quality and profile by means of the residency. The candidate will be someone who can most benefit from holding the residency and from the activities and opportunities associated with it.

The duties of the composer in residence will include the following:

* Composing one major commission: composing a major work of no less than 16 minutes and no more than 20 minutes duration for the core instrumentation and resources of the orchestra. This work to be premiered during the 2009 season at the discretion of the orchestra.
* Composing two minor commissions (choice to be determined in consultation with the APO), such as a short orchestral work suitable for an education concert, a chamber work for one of the APO chamber ensembles, an occasional piece for a special event or other works to be decided.
* Mentoring Secondary school students and adults via two workshop sessions in the first half of the year – one on Writing for Orchestra, and one day of individual composition tutorials. Planning content of the workshops to be done collaboratively with APO Education, but led by the CIR.
* Mentoring of adults in the Composers’ Workshop, and selection of participants.
* Input into the structure and content of APO Education Composing activities.

The term of the residency is the calendar year 2010, with the possibility of extending the residency through 2011. The position is remunerated and requires that the candidate be available to the APO for the activities described above as well as any others that may be included in the terms of the residency. It is not necessary to be permanently resident in Auckland, but candidates would have to be prepared to arrange their own travel and accommodation if they do not live in Auckland. The position is only open to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

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Each expression of interest should include the following:

* a comprehensive CV, including references
* the scores of at least two relevant and representative works, preferably accompanied by a sound file or recording
* a covering letter specifically addressing the following:
o what the candidate would be able to contribute to the APO through the residency
o how specifically the candidate would benefit from the residency
o how the candidate would be able to fulfil the role of the composer in residence as described above
o any specific projects the candidate might have in mind as a major commission

Expressions of interest are due by COB on Monday 20th April 2009. Please send to:

Antony Ernst
Manager of Artistic Planning
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

T: (09) 638 6266

F: (09) 630 9687

E: antonye@apo.co.nz

Postal details as per letterhead above.

Please note that scores and recordings will not be returned. Please do not send originals.