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As you like it Composition Competition

 As you like it Composition Competition
Summary:Competition, small to large ensemble
Deadline: 15 September 2017
Date Posted: 12 July 2017
Details: Compose or submit an original work
of any duration and scale,
from a solo work to chamber orchestra*.

For the seventh year running, the Álvarez Chamber Orchestra (ÁCO) is inviting composers of any age and nationality to submit works for an annual composition competition.

There is no specification as to the length or nature of the work.

If electronics are used, if not notated conventionally and fully in the score, a CD or mp3 should be supplied.

A recording of the work should also be submitted if the score is notated graphically or in any other unconventional format.

There is no restriction on the number of works submitted by each composer but each piece will incur the same entry fee of £26.

The work may be a new piece or may have been written at any time in the composer’s career.

Each piece should have only its title printed on the cover: the identity of the composer, including address, email, phone number, biography, photograph and programme notes should be placed in a separate sealed envelope also marked with the same title.

The scores may be submitted electronically as pdf files with the composer's pseudonym as heading to the following address:

trevor.huntley@btinternet.com

The accompanying details should be sent in another email with the same heading to the same address.

The deadline for posted entries has been extended to September 15th, 2017 - posted scores arriving after that date will be accepted if postmarked with the closing date.

Composers submitting their scores via a link on a file sharing site such as Dropbox should ensure the files remain uploaded until receipt of the written adjudication following the conclusion of the competition.

All entries that the ACO receives will be acknowledged prior to adjudication. Composers will be notified if any files of an electronic submission are corrupt or missing. If is the responsibility of the composer to provide the ACO with pdf files that can be opened. If the composer is unable to supply the requested downloadable and readable files within the time limits detailed above, the entry will be deemed disqualified.

Please contact the ACO at geoffrey.alvarez@virgin.net for further clarification.
The maximum* size of the orchestra is as follows:

2 flutes (2nd doubling piccolo)
2 oboes (2nd doubling cor anglais)
2 clarinets (2nd doubling bass clarinet)
2 bassoons (2nd doublng contrabassoon)
2 horns
trumpet
trombone
tuba
timpani (doubling second percussionist)
percussion (one player)
harp
guitar
any keyboard
6 violins
2 violas
2 cellos
1 double bass.

Minimum specification is a single performer
There is a first prize of £1000
and the Mullord Award of £500

The main reason for entering the Competition each year is the excellent and detailed feed-back one gets afterwards.

Recently I had a request to perform the Song Cycle I had entered for ‘Going for a Song 2011’. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of trying out (and adopting) the suggestions made by the judging panel.

Song Cycle ‘Seagull’ will be performed by Karen Harries – soprano and the Wymondham Symphony Orchestra on 5th July 2014 – the 30th anniversary concert for the orchestra in Wymondham Abbey Norfolk.

Thank you judging panel – long may the encouragement you are giving composers continue!
Web Site:fiveseasonsmusic.co.uk/AYLI.htm