Viola Composition Competition Winter 2021

Entries are invited for the 2021 Australian and New Zealand Viola Society Viola Composition Competition.

  1. The composer must be a resident or citizen of Australia or New Zealand.
  2. Divisions: There are two age divisions:
    1. Student: Under 18 years old as of 1stMay 2021
    2. Open: 18 years old or over as of 1stMay 2021
  3. Categories: Both divisions have three categories. Composers may submit one entry in each category:
    1. Viola Solo Category: Viola Solo(unaccompanied)
    2. Viola Ensemble Category: Two or four violas
    3. Viola Duo: Viola plus voice or one other instrument
  4. Compositions are to be up to five minutes duration including all movements if more than one.

Closing dates for both divisions: Saturday 1st May 2021

For further information please check the ANZVS Website: http://www.anzvs.com/

Choirs Aotearoa announces Compose Aotearoa!

From Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand:

Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand Trust (Choirs NZ) is home to the three national choirs Voices NZ Chamber Choir, New Zealand Youth Choir and New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir. For over four decades we have benefitted from and contributed to the creation of new New Zealand choral works. With this competition we aim to encourage the development of choral writing in New Zealand and provide a high quality performance opportunity for these works. We invite submissions for choral works suitable for performance by any one of the three choirs.

The rules are attached and works can be submitted through our website here: Compose Aotearoa!

Deadline for submission is 5.00pm November 10, 2020 with winners announced November 30.

University of Otago Philip Neill Memorial Prize 2020

Established in 1943 and first awarded in 1944 to Douglas Lilburn, the Prize is awarded annually for excellence in original composition.

The competition is open to all past and present students of the universities of New Zealand and in 2020 is valued at $1500.

2020 topic and requirements

Compose a work for mezzo soprano, violin and piano using any text or texts.

  • You may substitute piano with electronic backing track or live electronics.
  • The work may be divided into more than one song, or may be a continuous piece.
  • The work should be between 10–15 minutes in duration.
  • The work should be written for professional musicians but must not be unreasonably difficult technically.
  • Please include a MIDI recording with the full (physical) musical score.

Please note these requirements should be read in conjunction with the Prize Regulations, available here as a PDF document.

Applications close with the University on 1 July 2020.

All related enquiries can be made to: scholarships@otago.ac.nz.

The 36th ACL Festival Young Composers Competition

The Asian Composers League Festival in Christchurch, New Zealand invites works from composers under the age of 30 (born after 2 May 1990) for string trio: violin, viola and cello (or 2 violins and cello). Works should be under 6 minutes in duration.

Please submit your scores to CANZ, who will select one composer representative, and send required materials (see below) to president@canz.net.nz before 23 December 2019

By submitting works to this Call, composers are agreeing that if their work is selected for performance/presentation then they grant automatic permission for the ACL performance/presentation of their work to be recorded, broadcast, and streamed from the website without additional financial liability to the ACL or the Festival Organisers. 

INFORMATION REQUIRED for each Work to be submitted is:

  1. The composer’s personal and contact information: Given names; Family name; Name as it should appear in the programme; Date of birth; full Mailing address; Gender; Phone no.; email address; website (if applicable).
  2. Work information: Title; Submission Category; Accurate duration; Year of composition; Statement of whether the work has been previously performed.
  3. The score (.pdf document preferred), or audio/video documentation if the work does not have a written score – as described in the Work Categories.
  4. An audio or video recording of the work (if available).
  5. Programme notes for the submitted work in English (maximum 100 words).
  6. Technical rider specifying all equipment necessary to perform the work.
  7. Short biography of the composer in English (maximum 100 words).
  8. High-resolution digital photograph of the composer.

International composition competition Città di Udine – 2018

The competition is divided in two sections:
– compositions for chamber instrumental group or solo instrument.
– electroacoustic music.

The competition will accept compositions by musicians of any nationality and of any age. Previously performed compositions will be
accepted.

Chamber instrumental group or solo instruments:

Pieces should not exceed eight minutes in length, however consideration will be given to compositions which exceed this length if, in the opinion of the Jury, they are of particular artistic merit. The Jury’s decision on this matter is final.

The chamber instrumental group is made up of:
– a string quartet (two violins, viola and cello)
– piano / one performer
– flute (piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute) / one performer
– clarinet (clarinet in E flat, clarinet in B flat, clarinet in A and bass clarinet)/ one performer
– percussion instruments from the following list: vibraphone, glockenspiel, tom toms (max 5 pieces), suspended cymbals, tam tam, templeblocks, small percussion instruments such as triangle, wood blocks, maracas etc… / one performer
– instruments listed above may be used in any combination
– if desired, just one instrument may be used
– it is possible to use a stereo audio track on CD or digital file
of similar quality (or better), to accompany the performance of the chamber instrumental group or solo instrument.

Electroacoustic Music

Electroacoustic musical compositions must have a duration of less than ten minutes and must be presented with CD digital file quality (or
better).

Recording formats:
Stereo format
Quadraphonic format
5+1 format
Esaphonicformat
Octophonic format

Any multi-channel versions of the composition must be sent along with the stereo version with CD digital file quality (or better).

For further information including application form and fees see http://www.taukay.it/pdf/2017_2018_bando_eng_ita.pdf

International Composition Competition Harelbeke

For the seventh time, the International Composition Competition Harelbeke will be organized in Harelbeke (Belgium). The aim of this competition is to encourage talented composers to integrate the achievements of contemporary music and current composition techniques into wind orchestra compositions.

Contemporary music, more specifically in the sector of music for wind and percussion instruments, deserves permanent backing. As town council, our aim is to motivate composers and performers and to provide a window onto the world. Building a musical bridge between international communities is essential for the future of mankind. This competition contributes to this goal.

A unique feature of this competition is that the works of the three finalists will be performed live by the wind orchestra Koninklijk Harmonieorkest Vooruit Harelbeke.

General provisions

1.            The competition is open to composers of all ages and from all countries.

2.            Each composer can enter only two works.

3.            The duration of the work must be between 15 and 25 minutes (to be stated on the score).

4.            The submitted works must be original in every respect: only unpublished works that have  never been performed in public nor broadcast on radio or television and that have never won a prize at any national or international competition will be accepted. Adaptations of existing compositions or rearrangements or re-orchestrations of known tunes or folk songs will be rejected.

5.            Only music compositions for wind orchestra will be accepted. Works for brass band or chamber music groups will not be accepted.

6.            Compositions using electronics will not be accepted.

7.            As the three shortlisted compositions will be performed live during the final, the  orchestration of the work must not exceed the following instrumentation:

Piccolo; Flute 1&2; Oboe 1&2; English horn; Clarinet Eb; Clarinet Bb 1,2&3; Bass Clarinet Bb; Contra-Alto Clarinet Eb; Contrabass Clarinet Bb; Soprano Saxophone; Alto Saxophone 1&2; Tenor Saxophone; Baritone Saxophone; Bassoon 1&2; Contrabassoon; Cornet Bb 1&2; Trumpet Bb 1,2&3; French Horn F 1&2, 3&4; Tenor Trombone 1&2; Bass Trombone; Euphonium Bb; Tuba C; Double bass; Timpani; Percussion (max. 6 parts); Piano; Harp

The works will be performed by an orchestra from Harelbeke with this instrumentation.

8.            The score must bear a title and a pseudonym instead of the composer’s name.  The submitted score must be accompanied by a scanned application form and a signed declaration of authenticity.  The application form can be downloaded from the competition’s website: www.icch.be

9.            The name of the composer must not appear anywhere on the score. Nor may the score contain any details that might lead to the identification of the composer.

10.          The score should meet the following requirements: (1) realized in digital format (music notation software) and (2) submitted in PDF-format by uploading it onto the website www.icch.be

11.          The composer must also include a short written preface to explain the work. If the composer has used an alternative music notation system, it must also be explained.

12.          The jury reserves the right not to award all three prizes if the desired level is not reached.

13.          The organization will preserve two copies of the score: (1) to be kept in the archive of the competition in Harelbeke, (2) to be kept in the music library of MATRIX in Leuven (http://www.matrix-new-music.be/).

14.          The jury will announce the finalists on Monday 16 April 2018.

15.          The finalists will be asked to attend a rehearsal with the orchestra on the day before the final. This rehearsal will take place in the presence of the jury members. Each finalist will have one hour to work with the orchestra. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the organization. Hotel and subsistence expenses however must be borne by the composer.

16.          If a prize-winning composer decides to have his work published by a music score publisher, the score must carry the words: with this work the composer was a finalist at the 6th International Composition Competition Harelbeke (Belgium).

17.          If one of the finalists is disqualified, another candidate will be selected to take his or her place.

18.          The jury’s decisions are final.

19.          Entries submitted after the deadline will not be accepted

20.          By entering the competition the candidate accepts the competition rules.

For more info see http://www.icch.be/

5th Antonio Smareglia International Composition Competition

The Competition is divided into two sections as follows:

Section A: compositions for solo piano of between 5 and 10 minutes.

Section B: compositions for solo voice and piano of between 3 and 6 minutes.

For section B, the choice of text is at the discretion of the composer, provided that:
– the text has been published (or translated) in one of the following languages: Italian, French, English, Spanish or German;
– the text is in the public domain, or the composer has requested and obtained the author’s and/or translator’s explicit permission to use the text (or the permission of his/her legal heirs and/or legal representatives, see § 7)

In the 5th edition of the competition, there is a special prize, that will be awarded to composition for solo voice and piano of between 3 and 6 minutes, with a text in the Friulian language. The choice of
text is at the discretion of the composer, provided that the text is in the public domain, or the composer has requested and obtained the author’s explicit permission to use the text (or the permission of his/her legal heirs and/or legal representatives, see § 7).
The Società Filologica Friulana, patronage of the competition, can provide a selection of texts in Friulian language with a possible translation in Italian, German or English, and also audio files with
reading of the texts themselves (contact to biblioteca@filologicafriulana.it).

3. The competition is open to participants of every nationality and there are no age restrictions applied. The works presented may have been performed previously but must be unpublished and not have been awarded prizes, awards or special mentions in previous competitions.

4. The Jury Commission (five members) will consist of eminent musicians of international acclaim and a representative of the Casa Musicale Sonzogno of Milan.

5. Competition entries, with all files specified in point 7, must be delivered no later than 31 May 2018, only by electronic means and in PDF format, to: concorsosmareglia@libero.it

6. No entry fee is required.

7. The title and the name and the surname of the author must be evident on the frontispiece of each composition.

Every e-mail must have in attachments the following documentation in PDF format:
– the particulars and contact details of the composer (including telephone number and e-mail address);
– a ID cart copy;
– a written statement, signed by the composer, affirming that the composition has not been previously published or received prior awards, prizes or special mentions in previous competitions;
– written authorization signed by the author (or his/her legal heirs and/or legal representatives) permitting the use of the literary text selected, where said text is not already in the public domain;
– proof of copyright clearance to publish the work in cases where the composer is contractually bound by an exclusivity agreement to a particular publisher.

International Harp Competition 2018

The USA International Harp Competition was founded in 1989 by world-renowned harpist and teacher Susann McDonald. The triennial Competition is hosted by the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana. It is considered to be one of the most prestigious competitions in the world.

As part of its mission to promote harp and harp music, the USA International Harp Competition sponsors a Composition Contest that occurs every three years, prior to the performance Competition. Composers are invited to submit new works for solo harp. A distinguished panel of harpists plus one composer select the winning composition.

A $2,000 USD prize is awarded to the winner and the new work becomes part of the 3rd Stage required repertoire for the upcoming performance competition. The work is also performed by the Competition’s First Prize winner on their debut concerts. It is published by Lyon & Healy and made available for purchase on their website, www.harp.com.

Solo harp composition contestants have included composers from Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Denmark, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, USA and Wales.

6th Composition Contest – Rules & Procedures

1. The work for solo harp must be unpublished, un-awarded and not have been recorded for commercial distribution.

2. Though the composition is for solo harp, other instruments may be included if played by the harpist.

3. The work must be between six and eight minutes in duration.

4. The contest is open to composers of all nationalities.

5. Previous winners are not eligible.

6. A distinguished panel of harpists including one composer, chaired by Dr. Ruth K. Inglefield, will select the winning composition. The decisions of the jury are final.

Important Deadlines:

October 15, 2018:

– Online application form
– One PDF of anonymous 8.5” x 11” score sent as an attachment to an email addressed to USAHARPCC@gmail.com. Please include the TITLE ONLY on the attachment; however, include both the title and the composer’s name in the body of the email message. The score should not show the name of the composer anywhere. Please note that the jury will refer to scores by title only. Program notes are acceptable, as long as they do not include clues to the identity of the composer and are included in the same PDF as the score, not sent separately. The PDF should be “camera-ready” – meaning publishable quality. Immediately after the announcement of the winning composition, the winner will be asked to send an identical PDF with the composer’s name added. This PDF will be used for printing by the publisher.

November 15, 2018:

– MP3 recording of submitted work played by a harpist sent as an attachment to an email to USAHARPCC@gmail.com Please include the TITLE ONLY on the attachment; however, include the title, the composer’s name, and the name of the recorded harpist in the body of the email message. The MP3 file should not show the name of the composer or harpist anywhere. Digital or Midi recordings will NOT be accepted. Scores submitted without a recording will NOT be considered.

December 15, 2018:

Winning composition announced on www.usaihc.org.

For more information visit https://usaihc.org/2018-application

New Music New Video Composition Competition

The Anderson and Roe piano duo are excited to announce their New Music • New Video composition competition!

The purpose of this call is to encourage composers to create new, impactful works for piano duo. The winning submission will be performed in a fully produced Anderson & Roe music video, to be shared over all our social media channels.

This is a unique opportunity for a composer—young or old, brand new or well established, self-taught or conservatory educated—to have their work potentially reach millions of new listeners all over the world by featuring their talents on the global stage: social media.

Submission deadline is May 1st 2018

For more information visit https://www.andersonroe.com/newmusic

The 2018 Salvatore Martirano Memorial Composition Award

Eligibility: Any composer, regardless of age or nationality is eligible. Previous winners, faculty, and currently-enrolled students at the University of Illinois are ineligible for the competition.

Awards: First Prize cash award of $1000 and second prize cash award of $500 plus performances by the Illinois Modern Ensemble in the fall of 2018 on the 22nd Annual Martirano Award Concert at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of the University of Illinois. Additional awards and performances may be given at the discretion of the judges.

Judges: A panel of judges consisting of international composers and University of Illinois music composition faculty members will select the winning compositions. The winning composers are expected to attend the 22nd annual award concert and reception, and will be responsible for their transportation costs (the competition will provide lodging and some meals). The winning composers will assume full responsibility for providing adequate performance materials upon request.

Guidelines:

  1. Medium: Full scores of any style or aesthetic direction for 1-15 performers (including vocalists) may be submitted. Works for electronics and/or mixed media (including video), with or without instruments and voices, are eligible.
  1. Duration: 20 minutes maximum
  1. Limit: One entry per composer
  1. Entry fee: A non-refundable entry fee of twenty US dollars (20.00 USD) is paid online at the time of submission. All major credit cards are accepted.
  1. Anonymous Submission: The composer’s name must not appear on the score or in any accompanying materials submitted online.

Entries must be submitted and paid for online by Monday, April 16, 2018 11:59PM CST (23:59 GMT-0600).

For more information and to submit scores go to: https://music.illinois.edu/martirano-award

For questions: zbrownin@illinois.edu