A4 Brass Quartet launch inaugural composition competition
A4 Brass Quartet have announced the launch of their first ever composition competition, with a £600 prize fund up for grabs.
The ensemble already have a busy concert schedule for 2018 and beyond, including a number of European performances, as well as many closer to home in the UK, including Manchester's Bridgewater Hall in January. As a result, they're now looking for some new and original music to premiere and take on tour over the next few years, and also to record for some upcoming projects and CD releases.
Applicants are welcome from any age group, although there is a special prize awarded for the under 24 age group to encourage current students to apply.
The brief for the piece is very free, but it must last between 4 - 8 minutes, and never have been performed previously.
Works must be submitted in either PDF or Sibelius 7 format, alongside an audio file. It is not necessary to submit your scores anonymously.
Works incorporating any electronic backing tracks or performance directions are also welcomed, but aim to think about practicality of performances on a regular basis. The group have access to portable speakers which connect to a mobile phone for sound files. Prizes will be judged on the work’s practicality and suitability for the concert stage
The group’s instrumentation consists of a Bb Cornet (doubling Flugelhorn), Eb Tenor Horn, Bb Baritone (treble clef) and Bb Euphonium (treble clef). Mutes are available for all 4 players, but again consider practicality of regular performance and transport.
PRIZES:
Winner - £350, a professional recording and regular performances on the quartet’s concert series’ in 2018/2019.
Runner-up - £150, a professional recording and regular performances on the quartet’s concert series’ in 2018/2019.
Under 24 award - £100 & a professional recording of the work*
*in the instance that the winner or runner-up falls into this category, the award will be presented to the next highest composition outside of the main prizes.
Some works which don’t feature in the main prizes may also be performed in concert or recorded by the group, and any composer who this affects will be notified and sent any recordings and promotional material.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send any scores and files to a4brassquartet@hotmail.co.uk by midnight on FRIDAY 23rd FEBRUARY, 2018.
Please include ‘A4 Composition’ in the subject, and include a name, age, email address and mobile phone contact number in the body of the message. Please allow a few days for a reply to acknowledge the receipt of the entry.
Award winners will be notified and announced in early March, 2018.
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