Essentially Choral
Application Deadline:
Program Description:
VocalEssence and the American Composers Forum (ACF) announce a call for scores for the eleventh annual Essentially Choral reading session, a unique opportunity for talented, emerging composers to write for voices and instruments. Through this program, Essentially Choral seeks creative and innovative works in a wide range of styles and provides a unique opportunity for talented, emerging composers to work with a professional chorus.
Up to seven composers, five chosen from either Minnesota or the five boroughs of New York City and two from anywhere in the U.S., will be selected to have their works-in-progress read by the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, a 32-voice professional chorus directed by Philip Brunelle. The reading sessions will take place April 4-6, 2013 in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.
Essentially Choral affirms the commitment of VocalEssence and the American Composers Forum to the work of today’s composers and the performance of their music.
The 2013 Essentially Choral winners have been announced:
Funded by the Jerome Foundation
Rich Campbell (New York, NY) If Ever There Is - SATB a cappella
Ian A. Cook (Minneapolis, MN) Missa Brevis Pro Pace - SATB a cappella with divisi
Brian Coughlin (New York, NY) Sanctus (AAAA) & Lux Aeterna (SSAATTBB) - acappella
Andrew McKenna Lee (Brooklyn, NY) Thread and Fray - SSATB chorus, electric guitar, 2 percussion, cello, and contrabass
Funded by the Copland Fund
Caroline Mallonée (Buffalo, NY) I Saw a Peacock with a Fiery Tail - SSAATTBB a cappella
Michael Schachter(Ann Arbor, MI) Herbst - SATB a cappella
Participant comments
“Essentially Choral was a true workshop experience—I arrived with one piece and left with an even stronger one. Thanks for such a generous program and for such warm hospitality in the Twin Cities!”
“Essentially Choral is an invaluable program for emerging composers. It will no doubt help many composers break into the next section of their careers.”
Singer Comments
“What a great opportunity for composers to witness the rehearsal process of their creations!”
“Essentially Choral gives young and emerging composers a chance to hear their compositions in a setting where work can be made and performed in real-time.”
Questions
Contact: Craig Carnahan
Vice President of Programs
American Composers Forum
ccarnahan@composersforum.org
651-251-2833
