Thursday, August 26, 2010

Seattle Symphony’s Celebrate Asia! Composition Competition

Seattle Symphony Celebrate Asia! announces its first Seattle Symphony Celebrate Asia! Composer Competition. The Competition seeks to promote young composers who are interested in Asian culture, music and traditions.

In partnership with numerous local community groups, Seattle Symphony honors and celebrates Seattle’s Asian community with an annual Celebrate Asia! event. The concept originated in 2008, when local Asian leaders wanted to find a way to strengthen bonds with the broader community through a cultural celebration. Celebrate Asia! is part of Seattle Symphony’s Around the World series.

Seattle Symphony, presenting its 108th season, has been under the artistic leadership of Music Director Gerard Schwarz since 1985. Maestro Schwarz has led Seattle Symphony to international prominence, with more than 125 recordings, 12 Grammy nominations, 2 Emmys and numerous awards. Maestro Schwarz celebrates his Farewell Season as Music Director in 2010–2011, after which he will become Conductor Laureate. Newly named Music Director Designate Ludovic Morlot will begin his role as Music Director in the 2011–2012 season. The Orchestra performs in the acoustically superb Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. The Symphony is internationally recognized for its adventurous programming of contemporary works, its devotion to the classics, and its extensive recording history. From September through July, the Symphony is heard live by more than 315,000 people.

  • Award and Performance
    The winning composer will receive a $1,000 cash award and an opportunity to visit Seattle for the world premiere. The winning score will be performed by Seattle Symphony and conductor Carolyn Kuan on January 14, 2011, in Benaroya Hall at the annual Celebrate Asia! concert.
  • Eligibility
    All composers born after January 1, 1968, are eligible.
  • Jury
    Gerard Schwarz, Seattle Symphony Music Director
    Elena Dubinets, Seattle Symphony Vice President of Artistic Planning
    Carolyn Kuan, Celebrate Asia! Conductor
    Samuel Jones, Seattle Symphony Composer in Residence
  • Submission Guidelines
    1. Works must have Asian influences (for example: Asian folk melodies, Asian stories and legends, Asian traditional instruments).
    2. Works must be original and accessible.
    3. Works should be 3 to 6 minutes in duration. (30 minutes rehearsal time is currently scheduled for the composition.)
    4. Works should be for orchestra or chamber orchestra with instrumentation no larger than 3333 – 4331 – T+3 – hp – kybd – str. Woodwind doublings are allowed.
    Interested composers should submit:
    • A legible, bound, full score
    • A recording of the piece on a CD (midi-format is OK)
    • A clear description of the composition’s Asian influence(s)
    • A biography, with current address, e-mail address, and phone number
    • If selected, professionally prepared parts will be required 60 days before the concert.
  • Entry Fee and Deadline
    There is no entry fee. All entries must arrive no later than Friday, September 24, 2010. Seattle Symphony Celebrate Asia! is not responsible for lost or damaged material. The winning composition will be announced before Friday, October 22, 2010.

Send submission to:
Seattle Symphony Celebrate Asia! Composer Competition
ATTN: Amy Stagno
Seattle Symphony
P.O. Box 21906
Seattle, WA 98111-3669

Questions and inquiries may be emailed to: celebrateasia@seattlesymphony.org