YLSS 6th Orchestra Seeks Composer Project / Commission

Vacancy Type:

Composer/Arranger

Application deadline:

Monday, 31 July 2017

Description of vacancy:

ORCHESTRA SEEKS COMPOSER No.6

YORKSHIRE LATE STARTERS STRINGS

New Music Commission 2017-18

See: http://www.ylss.org/features for full details and information pack / submission form

Inspired by the success of YLSS’s previous commissions, we are now inviting entries for our 2017-18 New Music Commission. Four of the submitted pieces will be chosen for a Workshop with eminent composer and Master of the Queen’s Music, Judith Weir, and YLSS players, and from these one piece will be selected for performance in 2018.

Our aims for the commission are to:

● Create an original piece of music of high quality, which is inspiring, challenging yet technically accessible for YLSS. This will add to the very limited repertoire specifically written for similar orchestras of adult learners.

● Give YLSS the experience of being part of the creative process and of working with a composer. The process of selecting the composer and working on the piece will be designed to involve all YLSS members who wish to take part. Entrants will be encouraged to share with YLSS the inspiration for their piece and discuss the process of composition, to enhance players’ understanding and performance of the music.

● Broaden YLSS’s musical horizons, giving an impetus to developing more adventurous playing and more confident performance.

● Enable an established or emerging composer to work with YLSS in creating a new piece for performance.

How we plan to achieve this:

● Stage 1

○ An open invitation to established or emerging composers to submit a 10-15 minute composition. All entries will be considered anonymously by the Selection Panel and four will be shortlisted for a Workshop.

● Stage 2

○ A Workshop for four shortlisted composers. Judith Weir will give feedback and coaching on each piece as it is rehearsed with YLSS and its conductor Stuart Hazelton. Judith will also offer an individual tutorial with each shortlisted composer. The Workshop and tutorials will be held in Leeds and we will meet travel expenses up to £50 each for shortlisted composers. One composition will be selected for the commission.

● Stage 3

○ A commission worth £500 (plus contribution towards expenses) to the selected composer to work with YLSS to develop and rehearse their piece for a performance in 2018.

Timetable:

Stage 1:

Invite compositions for the Workshop: April 2017

Closing Date for Submissions: 31 July 2017

Shortlisting: August 2017

Stage 2:

Tutorials (optional): Sat 28th Oct 2017

Workshop Day in Leeds: Sun 29th Oct 2017

Stage 3:

Rehearsals with commissioned composer: Jan - June 2018

First Performance Date in 2018: to be finalised

Requirements:

● Compositions should be appropriate for YLSS (see below).

● Compositions must not have been previously performed or published.

● Compositions should be free of any copyright restrictions that may prevent public performance and copy of parts for use.

● Compositions should last between 10 and 15 minutes.

● Entrants should provide 4 copies of their score for selection and be prepared to provide at least one full set of parts on request.

● Entrants should provide a brief programme note (100-200 words) and a short biography.

● There is no age limit.

● There is no geographical limit. Entrants are however reminded that shortlisted composers must be able to attend the Workshop in Leeds and be able to work with YLSS to rehearse their piece if selected as winner.

● The score and parts must be easily legible, computer typeset is preferred.

● The winning composition will be premièred by YLSS at a performance of their choosing.

● The four composers shortlisted for the Workshop will be paid actual travel expenses incurred of up to £50 each.

● The prize for the composition which YLSS chooses to commission will be £500. In addition YLSS will pay towards expenses incurred (travel to rehearsals, copying, etc) up to a max of £200.

● The commissioned composer will be expected to attend two rehearsals to work with YLSS.

● Entries should include:

■ Application Form

■ 4 anonymous copies of the Score and Programme Note

■ Biography

● Compositions will be returned if a suitable pre-paid addressed envelope is provided.

● If possible, please send a sound file (eg MP3) or CD of your entry - this would be helpful but is not compulsory.

Entries should arrive at the address below by 31 July 2017. Entries received after that date will not be considered. All entries will be acknowledged. We look forward to receiving your entry. Please send to: