Our orchestra normally has three concerts a year – we have chosen to begin to dedicate the second concert every year to modern works, including two or more new works from young composers. This is a call for scores for that concert.
CONCERT: February 11th and 12th, 2023
VENUE: GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH W. 65th Street NYC
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: 11/15/22
APPLICATION FEE: NONE
RESTRICTIONS:
All composers are welcome to apply, and submissions from composers of color, women composers, and other groups historically underrepresented in classical music are especially encouraged. In your introductory letter, we invite you to share information about communities and/or groups to which you belong. For example, describing the role your work serves in your community’s social, cultural, or civic ecosystem. Your communities can be defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, (dis)ability, income, ideology, or intellectual heritage.
Further, while we have no age restrictions, we are looking to showcase composers in their early to mid career stages – preferably with several works having been published and performed prior at a strong amateur level, e.g. college ensemble or festival. Submissions need not be for premiere performances.
INSTRUMENTATION:
NCO is a full section, traditional symphony orchestra. Here is a sample instrumentation.
3 Flutes (1 dbl. Piccolo)
3 Oboes (1 dbl. English Horn)
3 B-flat Clarinets (1 dbl. A, E-flat, or bass clarinet)
2 Bassoons
4 Horns
3 Trumpets
3 Trombones
1 Tuba
Timpani + 3 Percussionists
No Harp
Strings (8-8-6-6-3)
Winds and brass are fully capable of doublings, although stresses on the extremes (e.g. contrabassoon) can be difficult. Full divisi is available in the strings, but piano and especially harp can also be a difficult addition. All percussion equipment must be rented, and this can stress our budget, so we hope to limit the use of exceedingly varied percussion requirements. One or two of these are OK, but more can be an issue with cost: celeste, marimba, 5 or more timpani, bells, xylophone, gong, multiple cymbals, etc. Our budget is not hard and fast, so we encourage composers to submit whatever work they have available. Composers with questions about the feasibility of their instrumentation can email info@newconductorsorchestra.org.
LENGTH AND TYPE OF WORKS: Our orchestra is at a very high amateur level – difficulty of the works will not be an issue. We are primarily interested in works between 5-15 minutes. Symphonic works are most welcome, but we will also consider full brass or wind ensemble pieces of at least 12-16 unique parts. Do not be afraid to send what you feel is your best work even if it exceeds these guidelines.
HOW TO SUBMIT: Please include a recorded performance of the piece or a MIDI mockup in addition to the score – this will make the selection process immensely easier for the multiple people who will be asked to help in our selection process. Also include your CV and other composing and performance information in .pdf files if at all possible. We will be selecting at least two works and possibly three, dependent upon their collective length.
Performances will be recorded and composers are welcome to have and use copies of the recordings. We would very much like the composers of our selections to be at the concerts for performance, although this is not required for selection. We cannot promise full reimbursement for travel expenses, but we will try our best to have these composers in house to personally accept the applause of our appreciative audience.
Deadline 15 November 2022
Website newconductorsorchestra.org
