Call for scores: LGBT composers

The programme seeks to explore and celebrate LGBT+ culture in its diverse manifestations across time periods and around the globe. The initiative will be professionally video-recorded in late 2021 and shared online for free from late 2021 or early 2022.

Selected musical compositions will be performed by any combination of the core ensemble members of Crossing Borders Music: A pianist, two violinists, a violist, and a cellist. Artists that are selected for this opportunity will be invited to share their views on how they would like the programme to be presented – like whether they prefer the term LGBT+, Queer, or another designation. They will also be invited, although not required, to create a short video or write a brief statement introducing their work.

Requirements

• Submissions in Western notation may be submitted as PDFs, with accompanying MP3 files welcomed but not required.
• Artists who do not use Western notation may submit MP3 files of musical works that could be arranged for a combination of piano, violins, viola and cello.
• If neither option works, artists should contact [email protected].
• Crossing Borders Music will purchase selected scores if they are published, or compensate artists for a comparable amount if the score is unpublished.
• Crossing Borders Music will not provide additional compensation.
• Composers will be credited as they choose, and can choose to remain anonymous.
• Composers may submit up to three works for consideration.
• Works under 20 minutes in length are more likely to be selected.
• Composers from all cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

To make submissions, artists should upload files on Google Drive or DropBox and send an e-mail with the subject line ‘Call for scores submission’ to [email protected] and provide links to those files.

The submission deadline is 10 September.

“This opportunity is open only to LGBT+ artists,” Crossing Borders Music said. “Our definition of LGBT+ artists is inclusive; artists who are asexual, intersex, questioning, gender non-conforming, etc. are welcome to apply. We'd like to warmly thank composer Karen Brown for suggesting this programming theme.”