NewMusicSA/SANYOF Call for Scores

NewMusicSA and SANYOF team up to promote South African music and composers

NewMusicSA and the South African National Youth Orchestra Foundation (SANYOF) invite South African composers to submit works to be considered for performance at the 2011 South African National Youth Orchestra course between 27 June – 7 July in Johannesburg. In 2010, our collaboration led to a performance of Martin Watt’s Rhapsody by the South African National Youth Concert Orchestra.

Works for symphony orchestra (3.3.3.3/4.3.3.1/4 perc/10.10.8.6.5) performable by young players of Grade 6 standard and above are welcome. Scores with single harp in addition to this will be considered.

* Only pieces for symphony orchestra will be considered.
* Works for chamber orchestra or large ensemble, even if selected from the above list, will not be considered.
* A recommended minimum scoring would include double woodwinds and brass.
* Works which use instruments which are not on this list will not be considered.

There are no age restrictions and pieces may have been performed previously. Each composer may submit a maximum of two pieces.

Works should be a maximum of 20 minutes long.

An important criterion will be that the piece should be playable but enjoyable and will pose a realistic challenge for young players. They are typically between 13-25, and are expected to be a minimum of Grade 6 level.

A panel of distinguished South African composers will select a shortlist of pieces.

From this shortlist, the conductor of this year’s National Youth Orchestra along with SANYOF’s Artistic Committee will select a work to be performed.

Scores – and audio recordings where available – can only be submitted electronically for this call, and should be sent to:

rob@robertfokkens.co.uk

Scores and recordings should not have the composer’s name or any other identifying markings attached (including the file name) as the scores will be assessed anonymously.

Any queries about the call for works should be directed to the above email address.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 27 May 2011. Distinguished South African composers Hendrik Hofmeyr and Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph will be the assessors for our call for works, and will draw up the initial shortlist to be submitted to SANYOF for final selection.

NewMusicSA is the South African section of the International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM). It runs the New Music Indaba festival (which includes the ‘Growing Composers workshops‘ where experienced professional composers work with those emerging in the field) and the Unyazi festival of electronic music. Under the auspices of the ISCM, NewMusicSA also administers a composer residency programme with the Visby International Centre for Composers (VICC) in Gotland, Sweden and selects pieces to represent South Africa at the annual ISCM World Music Days international festival.

Since 2009, as part of our developing partnership in promoting new South African music, New Music South Africa (NMSA) and the South African National Youth Orchestra Foundation (SANYOF) invite composers to submit works to be considered for SANYOF courses each year. The response has been overwhelming, and entries are improving in quantity and quality each year. We are very excited about the possibilities for performing a lot more quality South African music in the future.

Want to know more about NewMusicSA?

NewMusicSA is an organization that aims to support and provide opportunities for South African composers. It is the South African section of the International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM). Their relationship with the ISCM (the oldest and most important international composers’ organization in the world) provides important links to the global community of composers for our members.NewMusicSA runs two successful festivals: The New Music Indaba and the Unyazi Festival of Electronic Music. The New Music Indaba incorporates the ‘Growing Composers Workshops’ where new compositions by emerging composers are tried out and discussed by workshop participants, experienced musicians and professional composers. Their link to the ISCM helps us to run composer exchange projects with other countries.

NewMusicSA also publishes regular monthly e-newsletters and an annual Bulletin magazine for its users in addition to maintaining a popular website (www.newmusicsa.org.za). They regularly send information about composition competitions and other opportunities to their members. We would highly recommend anyone would wishes to become part of the community of composers in South Africa to join NewMusicSA.

Works selected

2009

Timon Wapenaar – Izinjazam

Peter Klatzow – Peach Blossoms

Robert Fokkens – Strobe

2010

Dan Selsick – Hymn

Martin Watt – Rhapsody

2011

John Simon – Late Gothic Overture