Funded by University of South Carolina’s “Racial Justice and Equity Fund,” the Southern Exposure New Music Series at the UofSC School of Music seeks two BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color) composers based in the U.S. of any age to be commissioned to write new works for a superb chamber ensemble of UofSC faculty new-music performers. The theme of the project is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on how it has impacted underrepresented communities. The new pieces will be featured on a program with new music exploring the theme by UofSC composer David Kirkland Garner.
Each awarded composer will receive $3,000 to compose a new 5-10 minute work for the following ensemble (or a subset of at least four instruments; optional electronics/playback also available):
Jennifer Parker-Harley, flute (all doublings)
Michael Harley, bassoon
Ari Streisfeld, violin
Claire Bryant, cello
Craig Butterfield, double bass
Philip Bush, piano
Instead of a traditional live premiere, the newly commissioned works will be recorded (both audio and video) in Spring 2022 and premiered on a virtual Southern Exposure concert on YouTube.
To apply for the commission, each composer should submit a short biography, personal website link (if available), links two PDF scores with matching audio or video recordings of the compositions, and a description of the proposed composition and how it might relate to the theme. Information and files must be submitted here (https://forms.gle/V8TK1oJmSMS6RVky5) by April 1, 2021 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Compositions will be adjudicated by a panel of University of South Carolina composition and performance faculty.
The awarded composers will be announced on social media, through email, and the Southern Exposure website on April 15, 2021. The final score and parts for the new works will be due on November 1, 2021. Please contact David Kirkland Garner at dgarner@mozart.sc.edu with any questions.
Deadline 1 April 2021
Website sc.edu
