Magen Solomon, Artistic Director

New Voices Competition --
A Program for Young Composers

Theme for 2008: Songs of Survival - Music Celebrating Light in Times of Darkness

For our concert, entitled “Songs of Survival: Music of the Holocaust” we are seeking new music which honors those who pursue creativity and hope in the midst of despair: music which celebrates light in times of darkness. Your work might be joyful or sad, hopeful or despairing, or somewhere in between.

Requirements of the Work

  1. Between 1 and 4 minutes in length.
  2. For SATB a cappella chamber choir (may include some body percussion); divisi to 8 parts or fewer.
  3. The work should address the required theme; a new theme is announced each fall.
  4. Text may include spoken word, and may be in any language; a typed copy of the full original text (and facing line-by-line English translation) must be provided. If non-standard language(s) are used, a pronunciation guide must be included. If texts are copyrighted, written proof of permission of use must be provided.
  5. Up to three works per composer may be submitted. Please include 2 COPIES of each work. NO BINDINGS.
  6. The submitted work(s) must have not have had prior public performances or recordings.
  7. Tapes or computer-generated CD recordings will be accepted in addition to scores.
  8. Composer’s name and complete composer contact information should be included on each score.

The composer must be 30 years old or younger on Jan 1, 2008, and a resident of the United States. Please include your date of birth with your submission(s).

Composer Benefits

The composer(s) and work(s) selected for participation in this program will receive the following:

  1. The selected work(s) will be premiered by SFCA at three subscription series concerts in June, in Oakland, Palo Alto, and San Francisco, California.
  2. The first-prize winner will receive two long-distance or face-to-face one-hour consultations with SFCA’s Composer in Residence about the chosen work, in order to prepare it for rehearsal and premiere. All winners will have the opportunity to consult with Artistic Director, Magen Solomon, on vocal and performance issues.
  3. Four complimentary tickets for each performance of the work
  4. A CD recording of one performance of the work
  5. Up to three winners will be selected. The first prize winner will receive $500.

Submissions

Submissions should be mailed to:
New Voices Project
San Francisco Choral Artists
PMB 344, 601 Van Ness Avenue #E
San Francisco, CA 94102

Postmark deadline: February 4, 2008.

Submitted materials will not be returned. Please include e-mail address or SAS postcard to confirm receipt.

2007 WINNERS:

1st. Place: Peter J. Durow, Tallahassee, FL
2nd. Place: Jamie Klenetsky, Wharton, NJ
Honorable Mention: Benjamin J. Williams, Akron, OH