Women Composers Competition


Announcing Melodia’s Women Composers Commission Competition, 2010-2011

Melodia Women’s Choir of NYC announces its second Composers Commission Competition. Women composers based in the US are invited to submit an application for a commission to write a new work for women’s voices, to be premiered in New York City by Melodia Women’s Choir, Cynthia Powell Artistic Director, in 2012. Melodia’s 2007 competition attracted 65 submissions from composers in 24 states. Two commissions were awarded: Chris Lastovicka’s work, Notes Upon the Breeze, premiere in November 2009; Christina Whitten Thomas is creating a new work to be premiered in May 2011.

Founded by Jenny Clarke, Executive Director, in 2003, Melodia Women’s Choir is a fresh voice on the New York choral scene. An ensemble of 32 singers, Melodia explores and performs rarely heard music for women’s voices in many different styles, and nurtures emerging women composers through commissions, residencies and performances. Under the direction of Cynthia Powell, founding conductor and Artistic Director, Melodia has performed at Symphony Space, Merkin Concert Hall, Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola in collaboration with Sacred Music in a Sacred Space, and the Surrogate’s Courthouse as guest artists at Women History Month Celebrations for the NYC Comptroller. We have been heard on WNYC radio and seen on NBC TV.

Details: The winner will receive a $2,000 commission fee to compose a piece for the Choir, 4 to 10 minutes in length, which will premiere in 2012. Women of all ages residing in the U.S. who have not previously received a commission from Melodia are invited to apply. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2011. Applicants should send one copies of the following:

A 1-2 page cover letter describing your background in music and composing, and why you would like to compose a piece for Melodia. In the heading of the letter, please include your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address.

A score for each of two original works in contrasting styles; at least one of the pieces
must be a choral or vocal work. Arrangements will not be accepted. Please do not send original materials; send SASE should you want the work samples returned at the end of the review process. If you have a CD recording of either work, please include it (one copy).

If available, a resume or CV.

Application materials should be sent to:
Melodia Commission Competition
c/o Jenny Clarke
446 West 47th Street, 1B
New York, NY 10036

Submissions will be acknowledged by e-mail. For more information and audio clips, visit our
website: [www.melodiawomenschoir.org.].

Melodia’s women composer initiatives are supported by the Sorel Organization and the New
York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

The Fall Season begins this month in NYC

Melodia Women’s Choir of NYC Presents Timeless

Saturday, November 20 at 8PM
Church of the Holy Apostles
296 Ninth Avenue at West 28th Street, NYC
*Reception following concert

Sunday, November 21 at 3PM
West End Collegiate Church
368 West End Avenue at West 77th Street, NYC

Tickets are $20/adv, $25/door
($15/adv students and seniors with ID)
Visit www.melodiawomenschoir.org or call
Brown Paper Tickets: 800-838-3006
Information: 212-252-4134

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