Call for Scores - Novi Cantori (MA)

Call for scores:

Novi Cantori announces a call for scores for its 35th anniversary year (2013-14). One piece will be chosen for Novi Cantori to premiere during its 2014 spring concert season; the winning composer will receive a $500 award plus a live recording of the work.

Composers of all ages and nationalities are invited to apply. Applicants may send their materials electronically or by regular mail (see addresses below). Each application should include the following:

  • A separate sheet with the applicant's name, address, phone number and email address, short biography and works list
  • No more than two representative compositions. These must be unpublished works that have not previously been performed in public, for unaccompanied SATB choir or SATB with organ, at approximately 4-7 minutes in length. The vocal writing may include limited divisi. Texts may be sacred or secular, in any language. If the text is under copyright, written proof of clearance to use the text must be included.  If submitting the scores electronically, the scores MUST be sent as PDFs - no notation files.
  • An acoustic or midi recording of each work (not required, but recommended), as an mp3 file or CD. CDs must be labeled clearly with the name of the piece and composer. 
  • A $20 non-refundable application fee, by check, payable to Novi Cantori. NOTE: the fee must be sent by mail to the address below.

Application deadline: all materials must be postmarked or emailed no later than Dec. 15. Materials can be sent by mail to: Dr. Ellen Gilson Voth, Artistic Director, 107 Highland St., Rocky Hill, CT   06067, or sent by e-mail to [email protected]. Either method for applying is acceptable, though all checks should be sent by regular mail. E-mail submissions must include "Novi Cantori - call for scores" in the subject line. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

The panel of judges will consist of the Artistic Director plus two professional musicians who are not affiliated with Novi Cantori. They will notify the winner (along with possible honorable mention recipients) by Jan. 30. The judges reserve the right not to select a winning composition at their discretion. Decisions of the judges are final.

Before the first rehearsal of the piece in February, 2014, the winner must submit to the Artistic Director a copy of the score with the following acknowledgement, on the first page: "Premiered by Novi Cantori (Massachusetts, USA) during its thirty-fifth anniversary season (2013-14), Dr. Ellen Gilson Voth, Artistic Director." When this copy is received, the composer will be sent the winning prize. The composer will allow Novi Cantori to make copies of the score as needed for rehearsal and performance.

The piece will be performed at least once during the spring 2014 concert season of Novi Cantori.  The composer will retain the copyright to the work; however, Novi Cantori will retain the right of first performance through the end of its spring season, and the piece may not be published until after it has received its premiere by Novi Cantori. The winner will receive a live audio recording of the work. He/she is encouraged to attend the premiere in person, though Novi Cantori is not able to cover her/his travel and accommodation expenses.

Questions about the application process should be directed to [email protected]

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Novi Cantori is a professional chamber choir of singers from throughout the western and central Massachusetts area who perform choral music from a wide variety of periods and styles. Novi Cantori is known for the outstanding quality of its musical performances and for the precision and expressiveness with which its members sing. For more information about the ensemble, visit www.novicantori.org