Chicago a cappella seeks submissions for HerVoice, a competition and mentorship program for women composers. A partnership the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, this opportunity is open to composers of all ages who self-identify as female, from anywhere in the world. It is intended to promote the work of promising composers and provide hands-on training to further their skills in choral composition. We are seeking composers who are eager to improve their skill at choral composition. Women composers whose career is in its early stages and women composers of color are particularly encouraged to apply.

Up to six winners will be selected to receive personal mentorship and advice on the submitted piece via virtual one-on-ones with acclaimed composers and artistic directors from the selection committee. Composer Stacy Garrop will chair the selection committee, which will also include composer Chen Yi, Chicago a cappella Artistic Director John William Trotter, and Santa Fe Desert Chorale Artistic Director Joshua Habermann.

In addition, the winners will be invited to attend a workshop rehearsal of their piece with one of the choirs (virtually, if travel is not possible), with the opportunity to receive feedback and make changes to the score. The piece will be performed by one of the choirs within one year of the workshop rehearsal, with a performance recording available to the composer for non-commercial use. The winners will each receive a $500 stipend for work with mentors and ensemble.

In addition, all composers who submit will be invited to participate in a virtual meeting with Stacy Garrop regarding the business side of composing, a conversation with conductors, and an informal group conversation about issues pertaining to navigating a career as a female composer.

Requirements

  • Submit a piece for a cappella mixed voice choral ensemble with no more than 10 voice parts (SSSAATTBBB).
  • The piece should be between 3-5 minutes in length.
  • Texts used must be public domain in the US or have written permission from copyright holder.
  • Submissions must be unpublished, unawarded, and not previously broadcast.
  • Previously performed works are acceptable.
  • Composers may submit a maximum of one piece.
  • Composers who submitted works to HerVoice previously and did not win are invited to apply again, but not with the same piece previously submitted.