Open call: Franco Donatoni composers competition

The central theme of this edition is concern for the environment. The challenge posed is to contribute even through music to the emergence of a pro-ecological transition consciousness. The strategies used concern both the articulation of the project and the artistic product it intends to stimulate.

The call is open to composers of any nationality born after 1 January 1987, who need to submit a score before 30 November 2023, with an instrumental ensemble from the following instruments: flute (also piccolo and flute in G), oboe (also English horn), clarinet (also clarinet in mib and bass clarinet), piano, percussion, violin, viola and cello, and with a duration not exceeding 12 minutes.

The submitted composition may be published and already performed, and if possible should be accompanied by a recording of the performance. An international jury will choose by 18 December 2023 the 12 composers invited to participate in a reading workshop of the submitted compositions and to send a draft of a new composition for soprano, reciting voice and ensemble, with or without electronics.

The project should reveal a strong focus on the problem of ecological transition, through every possible aspect: text, form, mode of execution, mode of use and dissemination, and technological innovation. The workshop will take place over two successive days and will feature in presence the performers of Divertimento Ensemble and its director, and online the 12 selected composers and two distinguished composers as tutors.

During this workshop, the 12 scores will be read and commented on by the musicians of Divertimento Ensemble, its director Sandro Gorli and the two tutors. During the same period, the submitted projects will be examined and discussed. The workshop should lead to the most thorough knowledge possible of the scores, their authors and the submitted projects. At the end of the workshop, Divertimento Ensemble’s performers, its musical director and the two mentors will select the three composers to be commissioned to write a new piece to complete the submitted project and that will be performed in Milan in the Rondò 2025 season.

The new score should last between 15 and 20 minutes and have a maximum ensemble of eight performers in addition to the soprano, reciting voice and electronics, if any. The three composers will be invited to participate in rehearsals and the concert, which will be streamed. Divertimento Ensemble will pay the three composers a lump-sum contribution of €2 000 each to cover all expenses.

Timeline

• 30 November – Application deadline
• 18 December – Selection of the 12 composers.
• 31 March 2024 – Deadline for submitting the new project of the 12 accepted composers.
• 27 to 28 April 2024 – Reading session and commission to the three selected composers.
• 31 January 2025 – Deadline for submission of new score and parts.
• February 2025 – Public video conference presentation of the project with the three composers, the two mentors and the conductor.
• April 2025 – Closing concert with the new compositions.

View the original call about how to submit applications.