An exciting commission opportunity to write for a large flexible ensemble which will be developed and performed during the CoMA Summer School 2025
Background
In 1993, CoMA held its first Summer School, bringing together adventurous music-makers over 5 days for experimentation, workshops, performances and a lot of fun and games. The CoMA Summer School was a much-loved annual event for many years, hosting many premieres of new works, and creating an environment in which many musical friendships have flourished. A highlight of the summer school was always the coming together of all participants to form a massed ensemble for a brand new piece commissioned especially for the Summer School.
The Summer School has been on a hiatus since 2017. To celebrate its return in 2025, we are looking for a composer to create a new piece for the Summer School participants to learn throughout the week and then premiere on the final day, in a public concert.
The commission
The brief:
- A 10 minute piece for flexible ensemble – i.e. the piece can be performed by different numbers and combinations of instruments and voices
- Suitable for mixed abilities
- Suitable for an ensemble of around 50 people
- The composer will be required to attend the full duration of the Summer School, 17th – 23rd August 2025. During the week, the composer will workshop their new piece with the conductor and performers, and make edits as necessary. We encourage the composer to play or sing in the ensemble too!
The composer will receive:
- A commission fee of £4000
- 2 mentoring sessions with an established composer mentor of CoMA. The sessions will focus on tips for writing for amateurs and in the open score format.
- Travel expenses to attend 2 CoMA Ensemble rehearsals between September 2024 – April 2025
- Full board at CoMA Summer School 2025
- A public premiere of their new piece in the closing concert and a professional video & audio recording of their work
- The composer will be encouraged to submit their work to the CoMA Catalogue, which will promote future performances and sales of the work, and also includes a royalty agreement.
Timeline
Application deadline: Monday 22nd July 2024 at 11.59pm
Interviews: week commencing Monday 12th August 2024
Applicants informed of results by Friday 23rd August 2024
September 2024 – April 2025: composer attends two CoMA ensemble rehearsals to get an understanding of CoMA and meet some of our musicians
September 2024 – May 2025: two mentoring sessions with established composers who have specialist knowledge & experience of writing for amateurs and CoMA
1st June 2025: Composer submits their completed work (full score and parts)
Sunday 17th – Saturday 23rd August 2025: participation in CoMA Summer School 2025
Friday 22nd August 2025: premiere of commission
Who can apply?
Composers requirements
- at least 5 years experience composing
- be aged 21+
- be UK-based
- The composer must be able to attend for the full duration of the Summer School, 17th – 23rd August 2025.
Desirable experiences and attributes
- Experience working on collaborative projects
- We are open to different forms of notation for the final score & parts of the commission, however an ability to read and compose in 5-line notation would be advantageous.
- Interest in deeply engaging with CoMA’s ensemble members, attending rehearsals and getting to know CoMA’s participants, and why they like playing contemporary music
We actively encourage applicants from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, including those from the Global Majority, d/Deaf and disabled people, working class backgrounds and LGBTQ+ people.
How do I apply?
To apply please fill out the online application form: https://forms.gle/WTEnrDhzwpp6c7X99
The form will ask for the following attachments:
- Score and recording of 2 previous compositions (a midi mock-up recording is acceptable)
- 1 page CV detailing relevant skills & experience
- A short expression of interest including why you want to write for the CoMA Summer School and how your practice reflects CoMA’s values
If you would prefer to submit a video answering these questions, there is an option at the end of the application form to include a URL. Please ensure that all video submitted does not require a password. If you encounter any difficulties completing the form, please contact Francesca Le Lohé at francesca@coma.org
Application deadline: Monday 22nd July 2024 at 11.59pm
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview w/c Monday 12th August 2024
We will select composers for an interview based on their expression of interest, their enthusiasm for inclusive & collaborative practices and the quality of their music. The interview panel will comprise a composer partner of CoMA, a representative of a CoMA Ensemble and a member of the CoMA team.
If you have any questions, please email Francesca Le Lohé at francesca@coma.org
We look forward to receiving your application!