The 11th JFC Composers Award: Co-creation with instrument players/performers

The Japan Federation of Composers calls for proposals for an opportunity to collaborate with an ensemble of musicians.

The 11th JFC Composers Award calls for the chamber music composed for specific instrument players/ performers. We will provide the instruments playing art and method guidance to the Entrants. And we will accept the provisional score submission ahead to that of the final version. After the provisional submission, we will provide the occasion where the Entrants could ask the questions to instrument players/ performer.

Normally, on the composition competition regulation, addition and correction on the scores are not accepted.

But in the actual stage, composers and performers would co-work to make the best performance till the last minute. So we will admit addition and correction on the score with condition that the Jury would assist the repetitions/ rehearsals. And all the process would be subject to screen.

This type of composer award might have never been held before. But ability to cope with them could be supposed to be one the composers’ quality. 

So we dare to raise the questions “This is what composer award should be”.

Works of up to 12 minutes duration for up to 8 players.

Available ensemble:

  • Ami OIKE : Violin , Viola
  • Masanori OISHI: Saxophone (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone)
  • Hideo KIKUCHI: Clarinet (Clarinet in E♭, B♭, A, and Bass Clarinet)
  • Shinya HASHIMOTO: Tuba, Serpent
  • Kei YAMAZAWA: Cello
  • Gaku YAMADA: Classic guitar (nylon strings), Acoustic guitar (steel strings), 
  • Electric guitar (effector negotiable), Electric bass

Ensemble may be augmented by up to 2 additional players, one of whom may be the composer themself.

Provisional submissions: 1 June–30 November 2021

Application period: 1–23 December 2021

Application fee: JPY 10,000

JFC Composers Award (one piece): JPY 200,000

Selected composers will be invited to contribute to the rehearsal process, either in person or remotely, towards a concert in Tokyo in March 2022.

Full details, including contact details for the Award organisers, can be found in this document.

NZ Opera: Voices of Aotearoa 6:24

Voices of Aotearoa 6:24 is an exciting new opera project that invites emerging and experienced artists to explore what it might be like to create an opera.

The project will comprise six teams each featuring an opera singer, an instrumentalist, a composer and a writer. It is our intention that these teams reflect as widely as possible the diversity of our culture, musical heritage and geography.

Each team will work together to develop a narrative outline, identify a moment of song within this narrative and collaborate utilising their specific skills to realise the writing, composition and performance of the song.

Specialised input from New Zealand Opera will contribute to the development of a rich dialogue around the subject of what opera is and what it might be.

Are you an opera singer, instrumentalist, writer or composer who is keen to learn about creating opera? We invite you to send in your expression of interest by filling out our application form.

Details on NZ Opera’s website.

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

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra CompositionLab

CSO are currently inviting original compositions for CompositionLab: a new music workshop with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra led by composer-conductor Kenneth Young.

This is an invaluable opportunity for new, emerging and established composers to develop and further their knowledge and skills, and to hear their work performed by live professional musicians.

The workshop session is on:

Sunday 11 August, 2-5pm

CSO rehearsal rooms, Unit 2, 4 Klondyke Drive, Hornby

Length of work: Own choice, but for longer works we may opt to play an excerpt of it.

Orchestration: single instruments: 1/1/1/1/1 1111.1111 timp, perc, harp

To apply, please

Submissions may be subjected to a selection process, and priority will be given to those composers who will be attending the workshop.

Deadline Dates

Score (and MP3 optional) submitted by closing date: 5pm Monday 1 July (acceptable formats: PDF, MuseScore, Sibelius)

Successful applicants notified: Monday 15 July

Instrumental parts supplied to CSO before or by: Monday 29 July

Divertimento Ensemble International Workshop for Young Composers

Applications are open for admission to Divertimento Ensemble’s fourth International Workshop for Young Composers (for ensemble). Up to 12 participants will be selected.

Interested composers, not exceeding the age of 35 (as of July 6th, 2018), should fulfill no later than November 30th, 2017 the form available online at the following link: http://idea.divertimentoensemble.it/application-form-iwyc-ensemble-2018/

A jury composed by the two tutors of the workshop together with two musicians of Divertimento Ensemble and their conductor will select no later than December 12, 2017 the twelve admitted composers.

Admitted composers will be asked to send, no later than May 15th, 2018 the score and the instrumental parts of the piece with which they will participate in the workshop.

The instrumental ensemble, of minimum six performers, will be included among the following instruments: flute (also piccolo, alto flute and bass flute), oboe (also English horn), clarinet (also also E flat and bass clarinet), two violins,viola, cello, piano and percussion (percussion instruments must be previously agreed).

The piece must not exceed 7 minutes duration. This can be a new composition written specifically for the workshop, or an existing composition (including the one that has been submitted if in line with the instrumental ensemble).

During the ten days of the workshop, participants will have individual lessons with the two tutors and with the conductor of the ensemble to discuss their scores or other pieces, as well as working sessions with the performers of the ensemble; they shall listen to the rehearsals of their own work and of all the programmed pieces. They will participate in the scheduled masterclasses.

All the compositions will be performed in two public concerts in Bobbio on July 14 and 15, 2018. A maximum of three compositions will be selected after the performances in Bobbio to be included in the Rondò 2019 concert season (Milan, January-June 2019).

It is possible to take part in the workshop as observers.

The workshop overall schedule includes the following time/activities to be divided among all the participants:
– 36 hours of rehearsal with the ensemble (to be divided among all the scores)
– 30 hours of individual lessons with each of the two tutors (to be divided among all the participants)
– 6 hours of individual meetings with the conductor of the ensemble (to be divided among all the participants)
– 4 hours of individual meetings with the musicians
– 2 hours of masterclasses by each of the two tutors
– 3 hours of masterclasses by Daniele Ghisi*

Participation Fee
Participant: 600 euros (to be paid by January 15th, 2018)
Observer: 200 euros

Accomodation
One hostel and various structures offer accomodation at favourable prices.

Detailed calendar and subject of the masterclass are available online: http://idea.divertimentoensemble.it/application-form-iwyc-ensemble-2018/

ManiFeste Electroacoustic Music Workshops 2018

This workshop features intensive hands-on classes on performing electroacoustic music, sound diffusion, and controlling electronics. Intended for sound engineers and computer music designers who wish to acquire professional experience in preparing the musical and logistical aspects of electroacoustic concerts and rehearsals.

Interpretation Workshop: Electroacoustic Music

Monday, June 18 — Saturday, June 30, 2018
@Ircam & Centre Pompidou
Présentation publique: Saturday, June 30, 2018

Educational Advisors: Grégoire Lorieux, Mikhail Malt, IRCAM computer music designers
Instruction in English

The 2-week long workshop on electroacoustic music, taught by IRCAM professors, features classes in a Mac-equipped room, hands-on exercises in the studio, rehearsals with musicians for a mixed music concert during which each student is responsible for the performance of the electroacoustic elements of a work on the program. This concert is the final result of the collaborative “Mixed Music Program” implemented by the Pôle Sup’93 and IRCAM. This program is designed for young performers who want to learn to perform their instruments with electronics. These young musicians from the Pôle Sup’93 will work alongside workshop students.

No age requirements

Prerequisites:

  • Ability to analyze and work on a score
  • Familiarity with the aesthetics of contemporary music
  • Applicants must have intermediary-level knowledge of programming in Max or Live and use the software on a regular basis. For Max, applicants should have followed the beginner’s level Max course or provide proof of equivalent knowledge of the Max tutorials 1 -22, Data tutorials 1 – 5, MIDI tutorials 1 – 5, and MSP tutorials 1 – 31.

Applicants must download the questionnaire on their level of computer literacy and return it with their application online.

Online Applications: ULYSSES Platform 
Applications accepted from Monday, October 9 – Monday, November 6, 2017

For more info see https://www.ircam.fr/transmission/lacademie/manifeste-2018/musiques-electroacoustiques/

ManiFeste Chamber Music Workshops 2018/2019

This year, IRCAM would like a large number of young composers to take part in the exceptional environment offered by the ManiFeste academy in June (internationally renowned composers, exceptional musicians, scientists specialized in musical domains, etc.). The first year, students will follow individual and group classes, encounters, discussions, and work on compositional sketches. Certain composers will be selected at the end of the first year to return the following summer with their sketch finalized to be performed by the Ensemble intercontemporain.

Composition Workshops for Conducted Ensemble and Chamber Music

2018: Monday, June 18 — Saturday, June 30 @IRCAM
2019: Monday, June 17 — Saturday, June 29 for composers selected at the end of the 2018 academy

Ensemble intercontemporain. Direction Julien Leroy
Educational Advisors: Marko Nikodijevic / Conducted Ensemble, Stefano Gervasoni / Chamber Music (composers)

At the end of this two-week session, approximately 20 young composers will be selected to complete their score. The works will be rehearsed and performed in concert during the ManiFeste-2019 academy (Monday, June 24 – Saturday, June 29, 2019).

Applicants must be born after January 1, 1986

Composers cannot take part in the composition workshops more than two consecutive years. They can, however, take part in all the academy’s activities as auditors.

At the end of the 2018 academy, the educational team will make their selection. The team reserves the right to select none of the sketches submitted. The team’s decision is final. Only selected works will be rehearsed and premiered during a public presentation in June 2019 (the education team reserves the right to modify this decision at a later date). This presentation will be recorded. A studio mix of this recording will be given to the composers.

Online Applications : ULYSSES Platform
Applications accepted from Monday, October 9 – Monday, November 6, 2017

For more info see https://www.ircam.fr/transmission/lacademie/manifeste-2018/composition-20182019/

ManiFeste Grand Orchestre Workshops 2018

The ManiFeste academy continues its partnership with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, partner since the academy’s inception in 2012. Every year, the selected composers are able to take advantage of personalized advice from the teacher/composer, Franck Bedrossian, and the conductor Peter Rundel before—and during—work sessions with the musicians. In addition, the young composers selected to participate in this workshop will be able to hear their sketches for full orchestra performed during a concert open to the public.

Reading Sessions for Full Orchestra

Monday, June 18 — Saturday, June 23, 2018
Public concert: Saturday, June 23, 2018
IRCAM & CENTQUATRE-Paris

Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. Ensemble ULYSSES
Conductor: Peter Rundel
Pedagogical Advisor: Franck Bedrossian, composer

8 young composers are invited to write a short sketch for orchestra using non-traditional orchestral writing, seeking new concepts of orchestration. After a work session with the composer Franck Bedrossian, these sketches will be read for 50 minutes each by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and the young musicians from the ULYSSES Ensemble.

Applicants must be born after January 1, 1986

Composers cannot take part in the composition workshops more than two consecutive years. They can, however, take part in all the academy’s activities as auditors.

Online Applications: ULYSSES Platform
Applications accepted from Monday, October 9 – Monday, November 6, 2017

For more info see https://www.ircam.fr/transmission/lacademie/manifeste-2018/grand-orchestre/

Composing in the Wilderness 2018

Explore the Alaska’s inspiring backcountry, compose music about it, and have it premiered by top performers.

Now in its seventh year, this one-of-a-kind creative adventure for composers is offered by the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival in collaboration with Alaska Geographic and the National Park Service of the USA.

This year we’ll be offering two field courses, both of which feature an immersive back-country experience in Alaska’s national parks, and a premiere of a new chamber piece you write.

Our long-standing program in Denali National Park and Yukon-Charly Rivers National Preserve will be offered once again; but we’re also adding a second, more immersive field course that will take participants above the arctic circle on a week-long river trip through the second-largest national park in the USA and culminate with a premiere performance in New York City! This high-end option is ideal for more experienced composers, faculty members, and professionals.

Since Composing in the Wilderness filled up last year in 48 hours, we’re instituting an easy new application process. To be considered, composers must submit their materials before November 1.

See the following website for further details: http://www.composinginthewilderness.com

MANIFESTE-2018, THE ACADEMY

June 18 30, 2018

At the center of ManiFeste, the academy offers young composers, artists, and musicians from the four corners of the globe to take part in composition workshops, In Vivo dance and theater workshops, interpretation master classes, and classes on computer music.

Applications accepted Sept. 26 – October 30, 2017

For more information see https://www.ircam.fr/lacademie/