Call for scores: Fifteen-Minutes-of-Fame with Mary Beth Orr

Composers are encouraged to craft programmatic works that tell the story of a heroine of their choosing. This is a unique opportunity to highlight underrepresented voices, cultural icons, or imaginary characters that have personal meaning. Each submission should reflect the composer’s distinct artistic voice while bringing these stories to life in a way that resonates with audiences.

Performance and instrumentation

Mary Beth Orr is a dynamic soloist who integrates horn performance with folk-inspired vocals. Submissions may feature French horn, voice, or a combination of both, but must be written for a single performer (i.e. no duets or additional musicians).

Only works no longer than 60 seconds will be considered.

Guidelines

• Deadline for submission: 16 June 2025.
• Works must be for solo horn and/or voice (one performer only).
• No electronics permitted.
• Compositions must be original and specifically written for this call.
• All pieces must be premieres.
• Use public domain texts only. If using copyrighted texts, written permission must be provided and included in the score.
• Only one submission per composer.
• Include a dedication to Mary Beth Orr in the score.
• Include any necessary performance notes.
• Submit your work via Music Avatar (free registration required).
• Upload your score as a PDF. Audio realisations (MP3 or similar) are encouraged but optional.
• Include a 50-word biography and 50-word programme note with a submission.

Works need to be submitted online here before 16 June.

Selected works will be presented online across platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and Vimeo. No performance royalties will be paid. Selected composers will be required to sign a consent form prior to broadcast. Results will be announced on the Fifteen-Minutes-of-Fame website.