Call for scores: International composition competition in South Korea

The competition aims to discover a variety of creative works that combine Eastern and Western instruments based on traditional Korean music, pioneering the way for traditional Korean music to enter the world stage. It is designed to promote international exchange and build a global network.

Eligibility

• The competition is open to contestants of all nationalities and countries.
• 2021 winners are not eligible to apply.

How to submit

• New works that have never been previously premiered.
• Works of any style, aesthetic form and notation will be considered.
• The submitted work should be about eight minutes in duration (less than nine minutes).
• The instrumentation of works must be a chamber music for one to three players. It must include at least one traditional Korean instrument. You can select one of each of following instruments:
  • Korean instruments: Daegeum, piri, haegeum, gayageum (12, 18, or 25 stringed), geomungo, ajaeng (so-ajaeng or dae-ajaeng), saenghwang, percussion (e.g. jangu, jing, kkwaenggwari and sori-buk. One player can play only up to five instruments).
  • Western instruments: Flute, B♭ clarinet, oboe, bassoon, violin, viola, cello, piano, percussion (one player can play only up to five instruments). Special instruments (such as alto flute and E♭ clarinet, etc. and keyboard percussion (such as marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, etc.) cannot be used. 

Required documents and registration

• Applicants should download an application form here and send it to karts.prize@gmail.com before 30 June.
• An anonymous score as a PDF document (computer-written document) including a separate cover page with the title of composition and the name of the composer.
• MIDI mockup (file name: composer’s name).

Rules and regulations

• Previously performed, published or awarded are not eligible for submission.
• Only one entry per composer.
• Submitted scores must be anonymous. Applicants must put the composer’s name on the separate cover page.
• The selection will be cancelled if the contents are found to be false even after the announcement of the result.
• Submitted scores and materials will not be returned.
• Applicants must apply in accordance with the designated form and submission guidelines (if the application does not meet the guidelines presented or if the quantity of data is insufficient, it will not be eligible for screening).

Evaluation procedure

• Review period: July 2022.
• The jury shall be comprised of the professors at the Korea National University of Arts and other professionals.
• The jury will review scores and performances.
• Winners will be contacted and posted on the website.
• No comments or feedbacks shall be provided on the compositions.
• The jury is at liberty to alter the number of selected compositions.

Awards

• The selected works will be performed at the K’ARTS International Music Festival. (*This benefit is subject to change depending on COVID-19 situation).
• First prize: 4 million Korean won (about $3 100).
• Second prize: 3 million Korean won.
• Third prize: 2 million Korean won.
• Fourth and fifth prize: 1 million Korean won.

Performance of works

• The winning works will be performed by a group designated by the host of the competition at the K’ARTS International Music Festival (this benefit is subject to change depending on COVID-19 situation).
• The host of the competition has the right to use the winning works for three years from the performance schedule. During this period, the host can use the winning works for free at the K’ARTS International Music Festival Award Concert, promotional materials and other concerts organised by the host. 
• The awards ceremony will be held at the Korea National University of Arts in August.

“We look forward to active participation of many composers who are interested in traditional Korean music,” the organisers said.