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.

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/

35th Asian Composers League Festival Taiwan 2018 Call for Scores

Orchestra: 8~12 mins. Usual instrumentation; may be concertos, but the composers should invite and fully support their soloist(s).
3333-4331-1Timp.+3Perc.-Strings

Chinese Orchestra: 8~12 mins. Instrumentation should be limited within:
4 Gaohu, 4 Erhu I, 4 Erhu II, 6 Zonghu, 4 Gehu, 2 Beigehu, 2 Xiaoruan, 3 Zhongruan, 2 Daruan, 2 Pipa, 2 Yangqin, 1 Guzheng, 1 Gaodi, 2 Zhongdi, 1 Xindi, 2 Soprano Sheng, 1 Alto Sheng, 1 Bass Sheng, 1 Soprano Suona, 1 Alto Suona, 1 Tenor Suona, 4 Percussion

Choral Music: within 8 mins. Chamber Choir with 18 singers:
5 Sopranos, 4 Altos, 4 Tenors, 5 Basses. With or without piano accompaniment. Prepared piano is not possible.

Chamber Music for Chinese and Western Instruments: within 10 mins. For 6~10 players.

Chinese instruments should be limited within: 1 Erhu, 1 Pipa, 1 Di, 1 Sheng, 1 Zheng

Western Instruments should be limited within: 1 Flute/Picc, 1 B♭/A Clarinet, 1 Alto Saxophone, 2 Violin, 1 Viola, 1 Cello, 1 Piano. Prepared piano is not possible.

Chamber Music: within 10 mins. Instrumentation should be limited within:
1 Flute/Picc, 1 B♭/A Clarinet, 1 Alto Saxophone, 2 Violin, 1 Viola, 1 Cello, 1 Piano. Prepared piano is not possible.
A: For 4~5 players
B: For 1~3 players
May include traditional instruments, but the composers should invite and fully support the musician(s).

Percussion Ensemble: within 10 mins. Up to 6 percussionists.

Electroacoustics/Multimedia: 5~10 mins., works more than 10 minutes in duration will be at a disadvantage.

Category: tape music/acousmatic music (up to 8-channel), solo instrument/voice + electronics, ensemble + electronics (no more than 3 instruments), audio-visual work.

Submission material: recording (CD,DVD), score (if with instrument(s)), technical specifications.

Completed application form – Application Form ACL Taiwan 2018

Deadline: all the required material should be RECEIVED by CANZ BEFORE 26 February 2018.

Please email materials to president@canz.net.nz

 

The 35th ACL Conference and Festival Young Composers Competition

Duration should be within 8 mins. A work written for a duet of two heterogeneous instruments, from the following – two groups respectively:
Group A: Violin, Viola, Violoncello and Double Bass
Group B: Flute/Picc, Oboe, B ♭ /A Clarinet and Bassoon

NOTE: only duos for one string instrument with one woodwind instrument will be considered.

Each ACL country shall select a Young Composer Representative under the age of 30 (born after
Oct. 19, 1987), and the score should be received by CANZ BEFORE 26 February 2018.

Please email materials to president@canz.net.nz

IMPORTANT
Each applicant can submit up to 2 compositions. When a composition is selected to be performed
in the festival, the applicant needs to provide a score and parts at no charge, and is responsible for clearing all the performance-related rights of the piece. If the composition includes traditional
instruments that cannot be found in Taiwan, the applicant needs to provide the instruments for rehearsal and performing use, and to invite instrumentalists when needed.
The host country will ONLY consider applications sent through ACL official members.
Any compositions previously submitted to any ACL music festivals cannot be submitted to this festival. The Applicant must submit one score (copied and bound). For electroacoustic compositions, one score or guide and the system plan must be submitted.

ACL-Taiwan Contact Information:
Email: info@acl-taiwan.org.tw
Fax: +886-2- 8809-2522
Add: P.O. Box 2-40 Tamsui Zhuwei, New Taipei City 25199, TAIWAN

Conneticut Summerfest Contemporary Music Festival

Composers are invited to apply for the 2018 Conneticut Summerfest programme

Festival Composers will receive:
– Live and live-streamed premiere of newly composed work by one of three professional ensembles-in-residence
– High-quality, mastered audio of newly composed work in studio recording session
– Concert video recording from live premiere, featured on our YouTube channel
– Lessons with our world-class composition faculty members
– Dedicated rehearsal time with our ensembles-in-residence
– Attendance of guest lectures with leading music specialists
– Housing and meals for the duration of the festival

Applicants to Connecticut Summerfest’s Composition Program will be asked to submit two (2) representative scores and recordings, which are to be no longer than 15 minutes in combined duration. Acoustic and electronic/electroacoustic submissions will be accepted for adjudication. Because this is a blind application, submitted scores and recordings must not include the composer’s name, geographic location, or any information about commissioning parties. Submitted scores and recordings must not only omit this information in text on the score, it also must be omitted from file names and metadata. Failure to omit this information will lead to disqualification of application. Only audio files may be submitted– video files will not be accepted. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before June 14, 2018.

Composers accepted to the program will be asked to compose a new work for one of our ensembles-in-residence to be rehearsed, premiered live, and performed in a recording session during the festival! The composer may choose to compose either an acoustic or electroacoustic work, as the festival will have access to a stereo sound system. Any additional equipment, software, or personnel the piece would need must be provided by the composer. Invited composers will have four private lessons, one with each of our Composition Faculty, and will be asked to give a presentation of their music at one of the daily composition seminars.

Application Timeline
Early Bird Application: $30 before 11:59PM EST on Friday December 1, 2017; or
Final Deadline Application: $45 before 11:59PM EST on Friday January 5, 2018.
This application fee is non-refundable.

For more information see http://www.ctsummerfest.org/#

Franco Donatoni Competition for Young Composers

Composers of any nationality, born after 1st January 1982, are eligible to participate in the selection by submitting one (or more) composition(s) for an instrumental ensemble of between 5 and 12 performers by 10th January 2018.

An international jury will select by 15th February 2018 three compositions that will be performed by Divertimento Ensemble in Milan on 29th March within the 2018 Rondò concert season.

The three selected composers will then be asked to write a new composition for soprano, baritone and ensemble, whose duration must be between 8 and 12 minutes; the three new compositions will be performed during the 2019 Rondò concert season, on the occasion of the fifth edition of the ‘Franco Donatoni’ International Meeting for Young Composers. The selected composers (who will have delivered score and parts within the deadline foreseen by the rules) will take part in the rehearsals in Milan and will work in close contact with the musicians of the ensemble and the singers.

RULES

1. Composers of any nationality, born after 1st January 1982, are eligible to participate in the selection to take part in the ‘Franco Donatoni’ International Meeting for Young Composers. Each applicant may submit one (or more) composition(s) for an instrumental ensemble of between 5 and 12 performers.

2. All applicants should submit by 10th January 2018 the following online form for each score submitted:
http://idea.divertimentoensemble.it/application-form-franco-donatoni-international-meeting-2018/

In the enrollment form you’ll be asked to attach:
– the score/scores;
– a copy of an ID document.
After filling out the form, you will be addressed to the PayPal page to pay the enrollment fee of € 30 for each score submitted (this fee will only be reimbursed in case the ‘International Meeting’ is cancelled).
Should the PayPal payment not be possible, you may proceed to bank transfer as follows:
Banca Prossima, bank account in the name of Divertimento Ensemble,
IBAN IT70P0335901600100000101448
showing as payment reason First Name, Surname, Internation Meeting ‘Franco Donatoni’.
You’ll then be asked to send copy of the money transfer to idea@divertimentoensemble.it.

3. Original scores as well as scores that have already been published and/or performed are both eligible for submission. They should not be anonymous. If possible, they should be accompanied with a recording of the performance.

4. An international jury of five composers (Franck Bedrossian, Sandro Gorli, Mauro Lanza, Fabien Lévy andGabriele Manca) will select by 15th February 2018 three composers who will be invited to take part in the International Meeting. The selected composers will be personally informed, and the selection will also be announced on IDEA’s website by 16th February 2018.

5. The three chosen scores will be performed during Divertimento Ensemble’s 2018 Rondò concert season on March 29th, in Milan.

6. Each of the three selected composers will furthermore be invited to write a 8-12 minutes composition for soprano, baritono and ensemble with words by the Italian poet and writer Pier Paolo Pasolini. The score and the parts must be delivered by 31st December 2018.

7. The three new works will be performed by Divertimento Ensemble in 2019 in Milan, on the occasion of the fifth edition of the ‘Franco Donatoni’ International Meeting for Young Composers, within Divertimento Ensemble’s 2019 Rondò concert season.

8. The three selected composers will take part in the rehearsals of their new composition, working in close contact with musicians and singers. Each composer will be entitled to a reimbursement of Euro 1,000 gross, for travel, board and lodging expenses incurred.

9. Each applicant, by submitting his/her application to participate in the International Meeting, agrees unconditionally to be bound by these rules.

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/

Mise-en Music Festival 2018

ensemble mise-en is thrilled to announce the call for scores for the MISE-EN MUSIC FESTIVAL 2018! The festival has featured more than 30 pieces each year since 2014.

In order to participate, all selected composers are required to attend the festival. Selected composers will have the chance to collaborate with ensemble mise-en as well as other guest ensembles. This is a unique opportunity to share your work with not only a New York City audience, but also with visiting musicians and composers from around the world.

In 2018, two of the selected composers will also receive a residency opportunity at MISE-EN_PLACE Bushwick during the festival (June 27-30).

Deadline: December 15, 2017 (EST 11:59PM)

Submission Fee: $25

The guidelines for the submissions:

1. Applicants may be of any nationality and age.
2. Selected composers must be present at the festival (June 27-30, 2018) in New York City.
3. You may only send one piece per category. Please note that multiple submissions are welcome, but each must be submitted as a separate entity.
4. Those composers chosen to write new works (CATEGORY #4) will be notified by January 1st, 2018. All other composers chosen to participate in the festival will be notified by February 28th, 2018.

CATEGORIES
1. Chamber Ensemble (2-8 musicians including a conductor) with/without electronics
2. Solo Instrument (any standard orchestral instruments) with/without electronics
3. Chamber Orchestra (up to 20-piece ensemble) with/without electronics
4. Proposal for a new piece (flute, clarinet, trombone, piano, percussion, violin and cello with/without electronics)*

*This category is for undeveloped works or works-in-progress. Selected works must be completed and submitted by mid-April 2018 for inclusion in the festival program.

For more information see https://festival.mise-en.org/submission/

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/