Choral Composers' Masterclass—March 28, 2015

The professional chamber choir Novi Cantori announces a composition masterclass on Saturday, March 28, 2015 in Westfield, MA. This special event will explore works in progress, with the director and singers of Novi Cantori providing feedback to the composers present. The masterclass is aimed especially for advanced undergraduate, graduate and young professional composers who value the opportunity to hear their music performed by an outstanding choir and receive feedback on their work and approach to choral composition.

A maximum of 5 composers will be selected. These composers will be announced on the Novi Cantori website and in spring season publicity, and their works may be considered for future performance. Composers who submitted works for last year’s Call for Scores are eligible to apply. For this masterclass, composers should be within reasonable travel distance of Westfield, MA if selected. Decisions about the number of composers and the repertoire selected are final.

Composers who submit materials by January 31, 2015 will receive first consideration. Materials will be accepted through February 15, 2015 pending space available in the masterclass.

To apply, composers should submit the following by email (preferred) or mail, for consideration:

1. A separate sheet with complete contact information (name/address/phone #/email address), short biography and works list
2. Examples of one or two choral works (compositions or arrangements) for SATB choir that are in progress. They may be accompanied or unaccompanied works, based on a sacred or secular text. Completed works, published or unpublished, will not be considered. The work submitted should have a section that stands sufficiently by itself, but has not have been previously performed.

   Each piece should:

   • be a fully legible score, with accompaniment (if applicable). If an unaccompanied piece, the scores should include a keyboard reduction of the vocal lines.
   • show proof of clearance to use text (if not in the public domain)
   • include a short statement (2-3 sentences) about the composer’s choice of text, concept of the piece, aspects that have come naturally in the process of writing, and areas of challenge
   • include an audio or midi recording (mp3 or CD) – not required but recommended

   Scores should be submitted as PDFs (not as notation files).

3. the name and contact information (phone #/email) of a reference who can speak to the composer’s musicianship, skills in writing and responsiveness to critique in a masterclass setting.

All materials should be sent to: Dr. Ellen Gilson Voth, Artistic Director, at novicantori@gmail.com (preferred) or by mail to: Novi Cantori, P.O. 39, Agawam, MA 01001. “Application for masterclass” should be in the email subject line or on the outside envelope. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

There is no cost to apply for participation. However, composers selected to participate must be able to travel to Westfield, MA to attend the masterclass, and pay the $50 masterclass registration fee.

Deadline to apply: Feb. 15, 2015. For most consideration, composers should apply by Jan. 31, 2015.

See also http://novicantori.org/?page_id=129