Contact:Gretchen Miller Basso
Public Relations Director
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Phone: 407/896-6700 x 223
Fax: 407/896-5512
gmiller@orlandophil.org
www.orlandophil.org
(Orlando, FL – February 2, 2011) – The Orlando Philharmonic proudly announces the 2011 Young Composers Challenge. This year, to support the artistic talents of more young composers, the Young Composer’s Challenge is open to all composers ages 13 – 18 nationwide. The Challenge is sponsored by the University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Full Sail University, The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, United Arts of Central Florida, Harriett Lake, Alan Ginsberg, Jeff Rupert, and the Goldman Charitable Foundation.
The Challenge begins with a FREE Young Composer’s Workshop, held on Saturday, March 5, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the UCF Center for Emerging Media, 500 W. Livingston Street, Orlando, FL 32801. This workshop provides an excellent opportunity to learn how to use the tools of the trade from industry professionals. The workshop is available on a first-come first-served basis and only a limited number will be allowed to attend, so be sure to register early. Attendees will learn the principles of composition, orchestration, music notation, scoring software and MIDI technology from nationally-recognized composers. Demonstrations of each orchestral instrument by top professional musicians will be provided, along with tips for writing for those instruments. Entrants who have already written music may bring their compositions for feedback. For other entrants, bring your ideas and talent—and then learn how to compose! To register for the Young Composer’s Workshop, visit www.YoungComposersChallenge.org. Participation in the workshop is not a mandatory requirement to enter the Challenge.
After the workshop has taken place, composers have the summer of 2011 to write their original scores. Scores may be composed for either for full orchestra or for chamber ensemble. All compositions should be no longer than 5 minutes. Full orchestra compositions must be written for standard orchestra instrumentation (guidelines are available at www.YoungComposersChallenge.org). Ensemble compositions may be written for up to six instruments.
To enter the Challenge, make a MIDI recording of your original composition. Or if you prefer, make a regular audio-recording (e.g., as played on a piano, etc.). Then submit your recording and score, along with an entry cover letter (entry cover letter can be found on www.YoungComposersChallenge.org). Send the entry packet to: Young Composers Challenge, PO Box 1689, Winter Park, FL 32790-1689. The judges will review all entries and select three full orchestra compositions and three ensemble compositions. All submissions must be postmarked by September 20, 2011.
The six winning competitions (three orchestral and three ensemble) will be performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in a public Young Composers Challenge Concert at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, 401 W. Livingston Street, Orlando FL 32801, on Sunday, November 13, 2011, at 2:00 PM. Each finalist will receive a cash prize and a professional recording of the performance. Finalists must attend.
For more information on the 2011 Young Composers Challenge and Workshop, visit www.YoungComposersChallenge.org.
