CSO CompositionLab

The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra is delighted to let you know about CompositionLab.  

CompositionLab is a three-part workshop where selected composers work in an in-depth manner with a CSO conducted ensemble to read and revise a sketch of a composition and test out new ideas.

This is a great opportunity for graduates or postgraduate students of composition to test out their musical ideas, develop them in conjunction with experienced professional musicians. Mentoring is available from established composers Chris Cree Brown (Winner of the 2010 APRA Silver Scrolls Contemporary award) and UC Head of New Music Reuben de Lautour if requested. 

Over three 3-hour sessions in September, up to four composers will be able to revise, test and try out their sketches of new compositions during readings with a conducted ensemble.

It is not necessary to submit a completed composition; in fact, we highly recommend you submit a work in progress that you would like to develop.

Orchestration available: single instruments: 1/1/1/2/0 1111.1111 timp, perc, harp

Notes on orchestration:

1.   Woodwind doubling is available.

2.   Percussion instruments will be played by one player only. Available instruments include:

  • Bass drum
  • Snare drum
  • Suspended and crash cymbals
  • Tambourine
  • Triangle
  • Tam Tam
  • Glockenspiel
  • Xylophone

Other percussion instruments can be requested for inclusion but is permitted at the discretion.

The workshops will take place in the Ron Ball Studio in the CSO Centre, Christchurch Town Hall over three weekends in September.

  • Friday 4 September       7–10pm
  • Saturday 5 September   1–4pm
  • Saturday 26 September  1–4pm

After the last workshop, there will be an informal performance in the Ron Ball Studio.

Applications close at 5pm 27th March.

If selected composers are based outside of Christchurch, the CSO will provide domestic flights.  Accommodation is at participants’ own expense.

For more information, please contact Head of Community Engagement Cathy Irons at cathy.irons@cso.co.nz or on 03 943 7797 ext. 2007.

Apply for CompositionLab

ISCM/ACL Festivals Social Media Update

The 2020 ISCM World New Music Days Festival will take place in Auckland and Christchurch, 21 – 30 April, coinciding with the Asian Composers League Festival in Christchurch from 28 April – 2 May.

This is the first time in ISCM’s 98-year history that World New Music Days has been hosted in Aotearoa, New Zealand. We cannot wait to bring you new music composed within the last 10 years by composers from 50 nationalities, international music leaders, composers and ensembles, an array of exciting New Zealand works, as well as performances by New Zealand’s top musicians including the APO and CSO.

Stay up to date with what’s happening at the Festival by connecting with us:

Call for Conference Proposals extended to 12 February

The deadline for the Conference (“Music Ecosystems”) attached to the ISCM 2020 World New Music Days has been extended to 12 February. CANZ members in particular are warmly invited to submit proposals. Visit the website https://www.iscm2020.nz/conference for further information and the submission process.