Array is now accepting submissions for the:
2009/2010 YOUNG COMPOSERS’ WORKSHOP + CONCERT
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS January 22, 2010. Applicants will be notified early February. Here is How to Apply:
Arraymusic – Young Composers’ Workshop
60 Atlantic Ave, Suite 218, Toronto, Ontario
Canada M6K 1X9
Now in its 25th year, this unique workshop is designed to benefit composers who have completed their basic studies in composition and who welcome the opportunity to work directly with a professional ensemble in the development of a new work. There is no age restriction as ‘young’ refers to the ‘emerging’ composer.
The Young Composers’ Workshop jury is made up of professionals who select participants to create a work for a small chamber ensemble over a four (4) week period commencing in May, 2010. Each composer is given one (1) session of two (2) hours weekly throughout the month to work directly with The Array Ensemble musicians, artistic director and workshop leader. Through weekly readings (by the Array Ensemble) and consultations (with the workshop leader / artistic director Bob Stevenson), participants have the opportunity to share their ideas and experiment in the creation of their work.
Completed pieces of music, or works-in-progress, will be performed by The Array Ensemble in a public concert at The Array Studio in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Saturday, May 29th, 2010 at 3 PM.
Array’s Young Composers’ Workshop is held at The Array Studio throughout the month of May, 2010. Participants must be willing to be in Toronto during their workshop sessions (and to pay costs of associated travel and accommodation; Array may be able to provide billet lodging for some participants). Array will supply a letter of recommendation to successful candidates to use in applying for travel grants.
There is no application form. Interested composers should apply by submitting by (snail) mail:
1). A letter of introduction
2). A curriculum vitae
3). 2 to 3 scores of previous works and, if
available, corresponding recordings on CD or
cassette tape to demonstrate the applicant’s
ability to compose for chamber ensemble.
4). Applications must include a processing fee of
$25.00.
GOOD LUCK!
This program is supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council and the SOCAN Foundation.
What Some of the Past Young Composers’ Workshop Participants Have To Say
“Through the workshop, I managed to accomplish all the goals set and then some. It forced me to think in a different artistic manner, then quickly have it demonstrated whether this was working or not. Studying with such great musicians is always a treat, but in this case it was made more so by their ability to comment on how something was or wasn't working for their particular instrument, with the object of making it work. Having the luxury of time to do that made each individual part sing that much more. Even at the dress rehearsal, Blair was walking me through a (late-composed) vibraphone line, suggesting he play it slightly different than I'd written it, to make it more of a line, rather than just a rhythmic and harmonic counterpoint to something more focal being played elsewhere in the ensemble…. The final concert restored some confidence that perhaps I can actually compose music. Overall, the entire experience was awesome. It's always great to be in such a creative environment, with people pushing me to go further, rather than to hold back. – Christien Ledroit, 2006
“I have been reviewing some of the highlights [from my workshop experience], of which there were many. I think the most meaningful were: the encouragement to freely experiment; the supportive, non-judgemental, low-stress, and flexible atmosphere; the opportunity to hear my work-in-progress played so often that my ears began to be filled with musical buzzings throughout my waking day...” — Jennifer Bird, 1999
“There’s nothing like a hands-on experience...to facilitate one’s learning. I believe that I learned more in my month with Array in Toronto than in any full term at college or university.”
— Jordan Nobles, 1998“No past experience compares to how much I learned in this workshop, working with professional performers. What a luxury to hear my music in progress!” — Jennifer Wilson, 1990
“I personally found it an excellent opportunity and environment to create a new work and have learned much that just cannot be taught in classrooms. ...I cannot overstate the importance of such a workshop which provides the chance for ‘hands-on’ experience for young composers, an opportunity which is, unfortunately, quite rare.” — Henry Lai, 1988
“Especially valuable was the chance to experiment with different sounds and ideas...all the musicians of the ensemble were very helpful in offering their professional advice, especially in regard to the technical difficulties of writing for each instrument as well as the particular texture and balance of the ensemble.” — Brent LEE, 1987
“It is of little doubt to me that the time I spent in the workshops offered some of the best lessons I have received in my compositional training. ...If we want the quality of music being written in this country to improve, we need to provide young composers with such opportunities as that provided by the ARRAYMUSIC workshop, so that they will feel more secure about themselves professionally.” — Ronald Bruce Smith, 1987
“I found the workshop situation extremely valuable... I hope this program will continue to offer other
View archived programmes of the YCW since 1986.