Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Announces Seventh Annual Christmas Carol Commission Competition
The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir announces the seventh annual Christmas Carol Commission Competition as part of its commitment to the future of choral music. Submitted works must be original, unpublished, and have not been publicly performed; between 3 and 5 minutes long; written for SATB, mixed adult choir; and may be a cappella or utilize keyboard accompaniment. Text and language are at the discretion of the composer, and should be suitable for a Christmas/holiday performance.
Recent commissions by the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir include works by composers Mohammed Fairouz, Molly Ijames, Dan Locklair, James Mulholland and others. Winners of the Commission Competition have been published by these and other publishers: EC Schirmer, Shawnee Press, Beckenhorst Press.
“Inspiring composers to create new, beautiful choral music is among the greatest obligations of a leading chorus today,” states Artistic Director Eric Stark. “Elementary as it may appear initially, we are wise to remind ourselves that all music was once new. It is imperative that recognized musical institutions like the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir are at the fore of commissioning new works, consistently expanding the body of choral music.”
Adds Executive Director Michael Pettry, “With more than 35 million Americans singing in a chorus, more people participate in choral music than are involved with any other art form. Bringing to life a new work for chorus is an avenue to reach a large, impressive number of artists and audiences alike.”
Composers 35 years of age or younger (as of September December 1, 2016) who are United States citizens or legal residents may submit one composition via email (PDF) to the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir by 11:59 p.m. (EST), August 31, 2016. Compositions must be in PDF format and emailed to commission@indychoir.org. No consideration will be given to entries received after the deadline. Submitted materials will not be returned. Questions may be emailed to commission@indychoir.org. There is no entry fee, although a submission form must accompany the composition.
Text and language are at the discretion of the composer, with the following requirements: the text should be suitable for a Christmas or holiday (secular texts are permitted) performance, and the text should be from a non-liturgical tradition (for example, contemporary poetry) or verse (secular or sacred), hymn texts and the like are permitted, while texts such as “Ave Maria,” “Gloria” or “Hodie Christus Natus Est” are discouraged.
The winner will be notified by September 30, 2016 and the selected composition will be performed by the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir at its five annual Festival of Carols performances in Indianapolis. A cash prize of $1,000, plus travel and lodging for the world premiere in December 2016, will be awarded to the winning composer. Full details are available at indychoir.org.
About the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir
The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is proud to be one of the nation’s largest, most active and respected choral musical institutions, marking its 80th anniversary season in 2016/2017. Among the most prolific independent symphonic choruses in the United States, the Choir reaches in excess of 25,000 people each season with more than 25 performances and a comprehensive educational outreach program. The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir returns to Carnegie Hall in October 2016 to perform Zabur, a 2015 Symphonic Choir-commissioned work by composer Mohammed Fairouz. The 200 volunteer singers demonstrate the Choir's commitment to musical excellence through their talent and dedication during each 42-week season. The choral partner of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Symphonic Choir was founded in 1937 at the ISO’s request to perform the great choral-orchestral repertoire. This continued partnership exhibits the very best of collaborative ideals – two independent arts organizations combining their strengths to create beautifully lasting musical results. The Choir is dedicated to excellence in the performance of choral music, the creation of new choral masterworks, and to community outreach and education throughout the community. The Choir is now in its eighth year as the official choral partner of the Indianapolis Public Schools, providing teacher training, educational resources, performance experiences and free printed music. The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is pleased to present the All-City Honor Choir, serving 40 of Indianapolis’s gifted and dedicated high school students as choral ambassadors. For more information about the Symphonic Choir, visit their website.
