The Auckland Youth Orchestra is seeking expressions of interest for the position of its Composer in Residence for the 2011 season. There is no age limit for this residency.

This is an exciting opportunity for a New Zealand composer to have their work performed by a symphony orchestra in New Zealand and overseas. In August 2011, the orchestra will be touring to Europe and performing at the Young Euro Classic Festival in Berlin.

As part of that festival, the candidate’s work will be performed and entered into the compositions competition. The Mayor of Berlin presents the prize in recognition of the festival’s best World première or German première. It is endowed with 5,000 Euros. An 11-member audience jury determines the winner.

We are looking for someone who presents the best ideas for a composition appropriate for our youth orchestra and who will benefit the most from holding the residency and the activities and opportunities associated with it.

The composer in residence will have the following task:
• To compose a new work of no less than 5 minutes and no more than 10 minutes duration for the core instrumentation and resources of the orchestra.
• Instrumentation: strings, 2-2-2-2, 2-2-0-0, timp

Each expression of interest should include the following:
• CV, including references if possible
• Portfolio of representative works, preferably accompanied by a sound file or recording. This should contain at least 3 works, one or more of which is for symphony orchestra.
• Covering letter specifically addressing the following:
o how you will benefit from the residency
o how you will be able to fulfil the role of Composer in Residence
o specific musical ideas you have in mind for the composition

Please note that scores and recordings will not be returned. Do not send originals. There is no remuneration attached to the residency, however, the orchestra may support applications to funding agencies.

Applications are due on Friday 25 March 2011

Send applications to: Antun Poljanich, Music Director, Auckland Youth Orchestrac/o St Peters College, Mountain Road, Newmarket, Auckland
a.poljanich@st-peters.school.nz.

A decision will be made by the first week of April 2011