Open call: Mizzou International Composers Festival

9 Oct 2024 - 11:27

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

The Mizzou International Composers Festival (MICF) is seeking eight resident composers to come to write a new work for ensemble-in-residence Alarm Will Sound in Columbia, Missouri, from 20 to 26 July 2025.

The application deadline is 20 October.

The festival is tuition-free and includes the following:

Accommodation.
Ground transportation in town and to/from nearby airports.
Lessons with distinguished guest composers – 2025 guests are Hilda Paredes and Judd Greenstein.
Rehearsals and sectionals with resident ensemble Alarm Will Sound.
Premiere of the eight resident composers’ pieces.
Access to all festival concerts’ and rehearsals.
Professional recording (includes mixing) of the premieres.
Lots of social activities in a beautiful college town.

Note: Composers must be able to travel to the location, pay for their own flights and most meals. Selected composers must be aged above 21.

Application process:

Interested composers should apply here before 20 October.
Three-step adjudication process begins.
Internal communication with selected composers: mid-December.
Public announcement of composers: January 2025.
Draft scores deadline: Spring 2025, due date set by Alarm Will Sound and communicated in selection announcement.

The week-long MICF will feature concerts of music from contemporary composers performed in front of live audiences, along with in-person workshops, master classes, and other events. Events take place at the Sinquefield Music Centre and the Missouri Theatre in Columbia. Saturday night’s grand finale will present the world premieres of new works from each of the festival’s resident composers with Alarm Will Sound, conducted by artistic director Alan Pierson, serving as the resident ensemble.

The resident composers are selected for MICF each year through an online portfolio application process. During the festival, these resident composers will receive composition lessons from this year’s Distinguished Guest Composers: Hilda Paredes and Judd Greenstein.

The 2025 MICF Distinguished Guest Composers will teach and consult with the resident composers and ensemble. Resident composers will take part in rehearsals with Alarm Will Sound and also receive a professional live recording of their work. Festival tuition and lodging for each selected composer will be provided through the generous contributions of the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation.