2018 International Commissioning Call for Scores
Deadline: Friday, April 20, 2018

***The deadline has passed. The below is for reference only.

The Nouveau Classical Project is thrilled to announce its 2018 Commissioning Prize! The selected composer will be commissioned to write a work for flute, clarinet/bass clarinet, violin, cello, and piano that incorporates extended techniques on our instruments. We're interested in extra-instrumental components including, but not limited to integrated movement or vocalizing, etc. (however, this component is not required).

The score you are submitting is NOT the work we will perform. This score serves as a work sample. The selected composer will be commissioned to write a new work.

***IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES AND FAQs THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONTACTING US WITH QUESTIONS. Thank you!

Eligibility
- Open to both US and international composers
- Post-secondary and graduate students are also eligible to apply
- Current undergraduate students and high school students are NOT eligible to apply
- Composers who have won our Commissioning Call for Scores within the last 5 years are not eligible
- Please refer to FAQ below to read more about eligibility. We will update with more questions as we receive them.

Requirements for Submission
1) Composers must submit a work written after 2013 and scored for at least 4-8 instruments.

2) Inclusion of a recording is required (MIDI realizations are NOT accepted)

3) Composers must submit a proposal outlining idea/s for a new work for The Nouveau Classical Project (300 words max). Proposals for re-worked pieces or arrangements of previous works will be disqualified. We are seeking proposals for flute, clarinet/bass clarinet, violin, cello, and piano that incorporates extended techniques on our instruments. We're interested in extra-instrumental components including, but not limited to integrated movement or vocalizing, etc. (however, this component is not required).

4) Composers may only submit one (1) score. Please do not send files larger than 2048 KB. If your file size is larger, visit this page on how to reduce PDF size on a Mac, and this page for PC. Also, this online program will compress the file for you for free!

5) Non-refundable submission fee of $7, paid via the online form


Call for Scores Winner
1) The winner will be paid a $1,000 Commissioning fee, inclusive of commission and copying costs (NCP will print its own parts)

2) Selected composer will be commissioned to write an 8-15 minute piece for flute (dbl. picc/alto/b. fl), clarinet (dbl. bass), violin, cello, and piano) and have the opportunity to work closely with NCP in creating the work (NO subsets; must use complete ensemble)

3) This work will be programmed on a concert during the 2018-19 season

4) Composer will be required to provide a PDF of a score and parts for the ensemble

5) An agreement will be sent to composer that will include deadlines, payment schedule, and the granting of two-year exclusivity to NCP to perform the commissioned work

The winner will be announced by June 1, 2018.

Questions? Please read the FAQs first before contacting us. If your question is not answered below, please contact us at info [at] nouveauclassical dot org. Please do not attach scores, documents, etc. to your e-mail. If you need to reduce your score size, please see directions above.

FAQs

1. On the time of submission I will have bachelor's degree in music composition. Am I eligible?
Yes!

2. Do I need to have a college degree to apply?
No, as long as you have the necessary materials and information required for the application, you are eligible.

3. The score I am submitting is not written for your exact instrumentation. May I still apply?
Yes. The score you submit is not for us to perform; it is for us to see an example of your work. The selected composer will be commissioned (paid) to write a piece for our instrumentation, outlined above.

4. Can the score I submit include voice?
Yes, but if you are commissioned your final piece can not include voice. 

5. If the work I submit is over 20 minutes, can I direct you to a selection to listen to?
If you want to direct us to a selection, please:

• Note the cue point in the Recording Details section
• Send the full score and mark directly on the score where we are to start listening

 6. May I submit a work that is scored for less than four (4) instruments, eg 3, 2, 1, or 0?
No.

7. May I submit a piece that I wrote before 2013?
No.

8. May I submit a piece that I wrote in 2013?
Yes.

9. Is it possible to submit an orchestral piece or anything scored for more than 8 instruments?
Yes.

10. Can I submit a work that includes electronics?
Yes.

11. Can my proposal include electronics?
Yes.

12. I can't compress my file to 2MB! Can I send it to you as an attachment?
Hmm, we're pretty sure you can. Please do not send us an e-mail attachment. Try this first. Let us know if that does not work and we will let you know next steps.

13. Is attendance of the premiere mandatory?
Nope!

14. Do you have funding for composer travel?
No. 

Non-discrimination policy
This probably goes without saying, but here it is just in case: The Nouveau Classical Project does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. That being said, we hope anyone and everyone submits for our call for scores!