Deadline for Receiving Scores: December 31, 2024 

Application Fee: $0 

Background 

FRIENDS launched Kinder Konzerts in 1979 to create a concert-going opportunity for young Minnesota children, ages four and five. The concert is an age appropriate event performed by a mixed ensemble of Minnesota Orchestra musicians plus narrator, in Orchestra Hall. Each concert is approximately 30 minutes long and consists of a variety of standard repertoire AND a commissioned story piece based on an existing children’s book. In addition to attending the concert, children visit the Sound Factory which includes music activities and hands-on experiences with orchestral instruments.

Kinder Konzerts works within an interdisciplinary framework that connects music and literacy. The commissioned musical stories are the centerpiece of the concert. A written curriculum and professional development workshops for teachers support the children’s understanding and enjoyment of their concert experience. Approximately 2,000 preschoolers, plus teachers and parent chaperones attend one of the 18 concerts at Orchestra Hall each year.

Recent commissions include “One Dog Canoe” (Daniel Nass, composer, story by Mary Casanova), “Perfect Square” (Charles Lazarus, composer, story by Michael Hall), “Max Found Two Sticks” (Janika Vandervelde, composer, story by Brian Pinkney), and “The Tin Forest” (Steve Heitzig, composer, story by Helen Ward).

About the Commission 

FRIENDS will select an existing storybook appropriate for the age of the audience and secure text permission from the publishers.  The text permissions granted will be for performances during the 2025-2026 season and possible future Minnesota Orchestra Kinder Konzerts performances. (Text permission for performances with other ensembles and organizations is to be negotiated between the composer and the publisher.)

The commissioned piece must be scored for eight instruments, including a representative from each instrument family, and narrator. Total length of the commissioned piece should be between 7 to 8 minutes.

Requirements 

To assist the committee in selecting a composer for this commission, we are calling for scores that exemplify the composer’s skill in crafting playful, programmatic works for small ensembles. An example of a narrated piece would also be helpful. Recordings, if available, are appreciated.

We welcome scores from composers residing in Minnesota who are United States citizens or legal residents. Composers can submit up to two scores with accompanying recordings electronically, or by U.S. mail to the FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Submissions must be postmarked or received by 11:59 PM on December 31, 2024.

No consideration will be given to entries received after the deadline. Submitted materials will not be returned. Questions may be emailed to Lisa Roehl (lroehl56@gmail.com) or Joanna Cortright (jcortright@msn.com). There is no entry fee, but a letter of submission and resume and/or CV must be included.

Interviews, if needed, will be conducted via ZOOM.

​Selected composer will be notified by February 1, 2024. Compensation $7000 – $8000.

FRIENDS will provide up to $500 for travel and lodging for the selected composer to attend one of the Fall Kinder Konzerts ensemble rehearsals.