Competition Guidelines

Deadline March 1, 2023

(The competition is closed for 2022-23.)

Eligible composers are encouraged to submit new and creative settings of poetry for consideration for a June 2023 concert set entitled Shakespeare & Friends. Poetry may be by Shakespeare or any other poet, living or not, in any language. Poetry written by the composer, however, is discouraged.

Basic Requirements

1. Composer must be under age 30 as of July 1, 2023.
2. Composer is responsible for obtaining relevant rights to use copyrighted material.
3. A composer may submit only one work.

Requirements of the Work

1. The work should be 2-4 minutes in length, with the length listed on the score.
2. Preference will be given to works that have not been performed in public, outside of an informal or academic setting.
3. For SATB a cappella chamber choir. The work may include some body percussion. Any divisi must be limited to no more than 8 parts.
4. Text may include spoken word, and may be in any language. A typed copy of the full original text, with facing line-by-line English translation, must be provided. If non-standard language(s) are used, a pronunciation guide must be included.
5. Include a note with your text stating whether it is in the public domain. If texts are copyrighted, written proof of permission of use must be provided. Texts written by the composer are discouraged.
6. Score and texts should be submitted in PDF format. MP3 files are encouraged in addition to scores. All PDF and MP3 file names should include composer’s name and the title of the work.
7. The first page of the score (not the title page) must include composer’s name, birth date, and complete composer contact information–including phone number and postal address.

Incomplete submissions will NOT be considered.

Winners

Up to three winners will be selected. The first-prize winner will receive $500*. All 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 concerts in Healdsburg, San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Oakland, California, on June 3, 4, 10, and 11, 2023.
2. Communication by phone or email with SFCA’s Artistic Director, Magen Solomon (before and/or during rehearsals) on any aspect of the work’s notation, vocal issues, interpretation, and performance.
3. Two complimentary tickets for each performance of the work.
4. A professional-quality recording of one performance of the work.

The winning composer is not required to travel to the Bay Area to attend concerts in person. We regret that no travel funds are available.

*SFCA reserves the right to divide the prize money between two winners in the case of a tie.

Please feel free to share this opportunity!