The Saint Petersburg Contemporary Music Center «reMusik.org», under the artistic direction of the composer Mehdi Hosseini, announces that the 11th St. Petersburg International New Music Festival is taking place from May 23rd — June 8th, 2024. The reMusik.org Festival is a point of intersection where the diverse world views of contemporary composers meet at a crossroad of musical paths that have emerged in the past few years. The festival offers various musical concepts that facilitate the learning and understanding of a new, unique musical language of numerous dialects, created by late 20th century and 21st century composers.
The festival program includes numerous highlights. Instead of relying on the form of traditional concerts, we will be offering master classes, pre-concert talks, scientific conferences, forums, presentations, educational lectures, and a variety of workshops. The concerts themselves are designed to be inherently educational. An emphasis on chamber ensemble programming offers the opportunity to hear both young emerging ensembles and longtime leaders of the European contemporary music scene, provoking creative discussions and a mutual exchange of ideas in the artistic community.
Within the framework of the 2024 festival, which will be held during the two weeks of the festival, reMusik.org offers Composition Courses for the sixth year in a row. The creative composing labs are an exciting opportunity for young and emerging composers from around all the world. Thirty composers will be selected through a portfolio application process, who then will meet and work with renowned composers and internationally-acclaimed ensembles that are invited to this year’s festival.
Selected composers will participate in the festival’s events and will be engaged in master classes and workshops. At the end of the festival and the composition course, participants will receive a professional live recording of their work, which will be performed during one of the festival concerts. Course participants will spend their day learning different techniques, develop creative musical ideas with a focus on composing in a direct contact with members of our esteemed faculty which will include: Olga Bochikhina (Russia), Jérôme Combier (France), Natacha Diels (USA), Fernando Garnero (Argentina), Emilio Guim (Ecuador/Switzerland), Jean-Luc Hervé (France), Dmitri Kourliandski (Russia), Hèctor Parra (Spain), and Deqing Wen (China).
The festival will take place at distinguished venues around the city, which includes the Mariinsky Theater Concert Hall, the New Stage of the Alexandrinsky Theater, the St. Petersburg State Philharmonia, St. Petersburg Radio House, Masterskaya M. K. Anikushina, St. John’s Church Jaani Kirik, Sound Museum, St. Petersburg State Conservatory, and others.
Internationally-renowned musical collectives and soloists will be performing, such as Studio for New Music Ensemble, Moscow Contemporary Music Ensemble, Ensemble Répons, Vacuum string quartet, St. Petersburg Improvisers Orchestra, Vladislav Pesin, Yulia Migunova, Venedikt Peunov, Serafima Verkholat and many more. The program of the festival consists exclusively of world premieres and Russian premieres, reaffirming St. Petersburg as a center of world culture, and strengthening its distinction as one of the main cultural cities of Europe.
The Composition Courses will give participants an opportunity to work closely with distinguished composers and internationally acclaimed musicians during many workshops, composition lessons, lectures, and master classes.
During the two weeks of courses, participants will enjoy individual lessons with the three different tutors. Additionally, participants are also welcome to attend other lessons and workshops to learn and observe from different course teachers, when time allows. Each participant will have the opportunity to be present at and listen to the final performance of her/his composition at a concert or workshop that will be open to large audiences. Course participants will also be able to discuss the composition and execution aspects of his/her work with the course teachers and the ensemble’s directors or individual instrumentalists.
Dates
The program will run from May 27th — June 7th, 2024.
Tutors
Olga Bochikhina (Russia), Jérôme Combier (France), Natacha Diels (USA), Fernando Garnero (Argentina), Emilio Guim (Ecuador/Switzerland), Jean-Luc Hervé (France), Dmitri Kourliandski (Russia), Hèctor Parra (Spain), Deqing Wen (China).
Eligibility
All composers age 18 and over.
All applications must be submitted online. Applications are reviewed by a panel of distinguished experts of contemporary music, which will include reMusik.org’s esteemed faculty, professional musicians, and composers. The committee reserves the right to request additional information from the applying candidates or make changes to the existing guidelines, if needed.
The jury will select composers for four different groups*: Group A1, Group A2, Group B and Group C. Each group gives participants the opportunity to advance their musical skills throughout the courses.
For each online participant we will provide the following opportunities:
Group A1, A2
● 3 hours of individual lessons with 3 different tutors** (Each lesson is 1 hour);
● Performance and professional recording of their work at one of the festival concerts;
● Access to online lessons of other online course participants;
● Access to invited ensembles’ online workshops and reading sessions and that of other online course participants;
● Access to online lectures of tutors and festival guests;
● Access to online events;
● 45-minutes presentation of their work.
Group B
● 3 hours of individual lessons with 3 different tutors** (Each lesson is 1 hour);
● Performance of part of participants’ work during online reading session with ensemble-in-residence;
● Access to online lessons of other online course participants;
● Access to invited ensembles’ online workshops and reading sessions and that of other online course participants;
● Access to online lectures of tutors and festival guests;
● Access to online events;
● 45-minutes presentation of their work online.
Group C
● Minimum of 3 hours of individual online lessons with 3 different tutors** (Each lesson is 1 hour);
● Access to online lessons of other online course participants;
● Access to invited ensembles’ online workshops and reading sessions and that of other online course participants;
● Access to online lectures of tutors and festival guests;
● Access to online events;
● 45-minutes presentation of their work online.
Free Auditors
Auditors will have access to all educational events online. Preliminary registration is obligatory.
* Students may apply for up to four different groups (A1, A2, B or C). However, reMusik.org reserves the right to accept applicants according to its guidelines.
** Participants will have individual lessons with at least 3 different tutors. If you wish to have individual lessons with more than 3 tutors, please make an appropriate note in the application form.
Group A1, A2
Participation Fee*: €670
To be paid no later than 7 days after acceptance notification of course participation.
Group B
Participation Fee*: €390
To be paid no later than 7 days after acceptance notification of course participation.
Group C
Participation Fee*: €290
To be paid no later than 7 days after acceptance notification of course participation.
Free Auditors
Free
*A few fully paid or partial scholarships may be offered by an reMusik.org committee. Interested applicants in course fee aid must write a cover letter with compelling reasons for applying for a scholarship.
Payment Options
● If a sponsor agrees to pay your fees, reMusik.org will invoice your sponsor directly. Applicants need to provide reMusik.org Office with a sponsor letter that is written on an official letterhead;
● Paid course fees are non-refundable once reMusik.org has received the paid fees;
● The course fee needs to be paid in full up-front. Applicants who are accepted need to pay the entire course fee in advance, otherwise they will not be able to partake in any course activities.
In addition to the application form, please submit the following:
Group A1
● 2-3 scores (submitted electronically in .pdf format via Dropbox, Google Drive or similar);
● Recordings of 1-2 works (submitted electronically via Dropbox, Google Drive or similar);
● Biography.
Notes:
The composer agrees to write a new work for one of the soloists or ensembles invited to the festival (the lineup distribution will be made by reMusik.org, but participants wishes will be taken into account):
– improvisers orchestra (up to 10 performers, open or graphic score, possible use of a conductor);
– electroacoustic piece (2-8 channels);
– flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, electronics (1-6 performers);
– string quartet (1-4 performers);
– saxophone quartet (1-4 performers);
– violin, cello, piano (1-3 performers);
– flute, clarinet, piano (1-3 performers);
– violin, cello (1-2 performers);
– flute, cello (1-2 performers);
– accordion, electronics (1-2 performers);
– cello solo;
– saxophone solo.
Please note that compositions with electronics are possible only with lineups where it’s indicated.
Course participants that are admitted to the composition course (Group A) must send the relevant score, instrumental parts and electronics of the piece no later than May 5th, 2024.
Group A2
● 2-3 scores (submitted electronically in .pdf format via Dropbox, Google Drive or similar);
● Recordings of 1-2 works (submitted electronically via Dropbox, Google Drive or similar);
● Biography.
Notes:
The composer should submit existing pieces which have previously never been performed in Russia. At least one of the scores must be submitted for one of the following lineups:
– improvisers orchestra (up to 10 performers, open or graphic score, possible use of a conductor);
– electroacoustic piece (2-8 channels);
– flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, electronics (1-6 performers);
– string quartet (1-4 performers);
– saxophone quartet (1-4 performers);
– violin, cello, piano (1-3 performers);
– flute, clarinet, piano (1-3 performers);
– violin, cello (1-2 performers);
– flute, cello (1-2 performers);
– accordion, electronics (1-2 performers);
– cello solo;
– saxophone solo.
Please note that compositions with electronics are possible only with lineups where it’s indicated.
Course participants that are admitted to the composition course (Group A2) must send the relevant score, instrumental parts and electronics of the piece no later than May 5th, 2024.
Group B
● 2-3 scores (submitted electronically in pdf format via Dropbox, Google Drive or similar);
● Recordings of 1-2 works (submitted electronically via Dropbox, Google Drive or similar);
● Biography.
Notes:
Applicants are requested to choose at least 2 instrumental lineups from the list below for participation in the workshops/reading sessions (the jury will accept 1 of them):
– flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano (1-5 performers);
– string quartet (1-4 performers);
– flute, clarinet, piano (1-3 performers);
– violin, cello (1-2 performers).
Reading sessions are acoustical only. If your piece involves electronics, musicians will play only the acoustical part.
Composers admitted to the workshop (Group B) must send the score and instrumental parts of the piece no later than May 15th, 2024, so that it can be used for participation in the workshop.
Group C
● 2-3 scores (submitted electronically in pdf format via Dropbox, Google Drive or similar);
● Recordings of 1-2 works (submitted electronically via Dropbox, Google Drive or similar);
● Biography.
● Proficient oral English Language skills are an asset, as the course teachers will teach in English.
● Course participants are expected to attend their classes, lectures and workshops throughout the course. Course teachers may take attendance into account in assessing a student’s learning and performance. High level of attendance may be required to complete the course successfully.
● For students who wish to visit Saint Petersburg, they may receive an official invitation to the festival from the Saint Petersburg Contemporary Music Center “reMusik.org”. Students living in countries that have visa services with the Russian Federation, must apply for their own visa at the nearest embassy or consulate of the Russian Federation.
Please note that an invitation letter by reMusik.org does not guarantee that you will receive a visa. The decision to accept our invitation letter or to grant visas is at the sole discretion of the embassy/consulate/visa center who will process your application for a visa.
It is our aim to support course applicants’ visa application in the best way possible. However, each country may ask for and require slightly different documentation. reMusik.org’s invitation letter generally covers the majority required information that a visa office requests. – Advance travel planning and early visa application will ensure that the application will be processed in due time.
● Travel, housing, living costs, and visa expenses are the sole responsibility of the course participants.
● Incomplete applications or applications which do not include all the requested information will not be accepted.
● If you have any questions or concerns that need to be clarified, please write an email to reMusik.org.
At the end of the 2024 Festival at least one, but up to three of the most talented composers will be selected to compose a new piece of music for the next Festival in 2025. Additionally their compositions will be published online in one of the ‘reMusik.org’s publishing house editions.
Early application is highly encouraged. Early sent applications with all included information will be viewed, and assessed prior to the application due date. As a result, an application may be approved by the jury before the actual deadline. The applicant, if approved, will then be informed within a few days of his/her acceptance.
● Group A1: 5 April 2024
● Group A2: 1 May 2024
● Group B: 1 May 2024
● Group C: 1 May 2024
● Free auditors: 10 May 2024
TUTORS
Olga Bochikhina
(Russia)
Jérôme Combier
(France)
Natacha Diels
(USA)
Fernando Garnero
(Argentina)
Emilio Guim
(Ecuador / Switzerland)
Jean-Luc Hervé
(France)
Dmitri Kourliandski
(Russia)
Hèctor Parra
(Spain)
Deqing Wen
(China)
PARTICIPANTS
Studio for New Music
Ensemble Répons
MCME
St. Petersburg Improvisers Orchestra
Vacuum String Quartet
«SeVer» Saxophone Quartet
Venedikt Peunov
Mikhail Krutik
Serafima Verkholat
FAQ
Can I apply for multiple selection groups?
Yes, you may apply to any selection group for which you are eligible.
Tutors selection
Course participants are asked to fill in a wish list which includes the names of all Course teachers/tutors. We ask course participants to pick their preferred choices for teachers from a provided list, starting with their most preferred choice of tutors. The filled in course list remains strictly confidential. reMusik.org will then choose a selection of 3 tutors for each participant, once we select composers for all four groups (A1, A2, B, C), taking the course participants’ choices into consideration. Wishing to have lessons with more than 3 tutors for the additional cost must tick the appropriate box in the application form.
Collaboration with performers
For participants of Group A: reMusik.org will provide contacts of musicians who will perform their composition within the framework of the festival. As well musicians would be required to be in contact with composers if they have questions for the author regarding their composition. However, organizing any additional preliminary online meetings with performers is not the responsibility of the course organizer and that of reMusik.org.
Course participants of Group B need to be aware that the workshop / reading sessions serve primarily for educational purposes. Therefore no concerts are scheduled, rather an open rehearsal workshop session will take place. Musicians will receive course participant’s score in advance and part of the composition will be played. Online participants will also get one 45 minutes reading session of their piece during the festival in Saint Petersburg. However, organizing any additional preliminary online meetings with performers is not the responsibility of the course organizer and that of reMusik.org.
Publication Opportunities
At the end of the 2024 Festival at least one, but up to three of the most talented composers will be selected to compose a new piece of music for the next Festival in 2025. Additionally their work will be published online in one of the ‘reMusik.org’s publishing house editions.
Edition reMusik.org is a Russian digital print publishing house specializing in the publication of contemporary music.
reMusik.org makes a significant contribution to the development and popularization of new music, which makes it possible to initiate new publications, educational publishing projects, presenting works of contemporary composers, authors and musicians to a broad range of readers and listeners.
Being integrated into the structure of the Center, Edition reMusik.org provides a platform for business communication between composers, musicologists, artists, music groups and concert organizations in Russia and abroad.
Recordings
All concerts of the festival will be professionally recorded. Participants of Group A will receive their audio recordings no earlier than September 1st, 2024 and no later than October 1st, 2024.
Several concerts will also be professionally recorded on video and published on our Youtube channel. However, reMusik.org cannot guarantee that all participants’ played compositions will be published online.
All reading sessions will also be recorded on a portable recorder. Participants of Group B will get their audio recordings no earlier than July 1st, 2024 and no later than August 1st, 2024.
Course participants who wish to publish it online must get permission from the ensemble that is playing their composition, as the recording is not considered to be a concert. It is however allowed to use it for educational purposes during lessons, exams or similar applications, while making reference to it being a reading session recording.
Free Auditors
Auditors are entitled to observe lessons, classes and all other Composition Course events, but will not receive lessons or have a work performed. Depending on enrollment, a masterclass for auditors may be offered. This will be announced at a later date.
Entry Fee?
There’s no application fee.
Payment Options
● Course fees can be paid via a bank to bank money transfer payment;
● We cannot accept payment by: Personal cheque, Credit Card, PayPal, Cash, debit, Instalment payment plans, INTERAC or e-mail money transfer;
● If a sponsor agrees to pay your fees, reMusik.org will invoice your sponsor directly. Applicants need to provide reMusik.org Office with a sponsor letter that is written on an official letterhead;
● Paid course fees are non-refundable once reMusik.org has received the paid fees;
● The course fee needs to be paid in full up-front. Applicants who are accepted need to pay the entire course fee in advance, otherwise they will not be able to partake in any course activities.
When do I have to pay my course fees?
Applicants who are accepted to the course will receive the payment link upon notification of participation. Payment of the tuition fees needs to be paid in full no later than 7 days after notification.
What if I have a question that is not answered here?
Don’t worry if you didn’t find the answer to your question here. You can always contact us and ask any question or leave feedback. Contact our Admissions Team by phone at +7-812-951-9413 (RU),
+7-812-951-9426 (INT’L), or by email at admissions@remusik.org