Open call: New Conductors Orchestra scores

The New Conductors Orchestra was formed to provide a platform for young, prospective professional conductors to hone and showcase their talents on a New York podium.

Restrictions

All composers are welcome to apply, and submissions from composers of colour, women composers, and other groups historically underrepresented in classical music are especially encouraged. In the introductory letter, composers are invited to share information about communities and/or groups to which they belong. For example, composers could describe the role their work serves in their community’s social, cultural, or civic ecosystem. The composer’s communities can be defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, (dis)ability, income, ideology, or intellectual heritage.

Further, while NCO has no age restrictions, it’s looking to showcase composers in their early to mid-career stages preferably with several works having been published and performed prior at a strong amateur level, for example, college ensemble or festival. Submissions need not be for premiere performances.

Instrumentation

NCO is a full section, traditional symphony orchestra. Here is a sample instrumentation:

• Three flutes (one dbl. piccolo).
• Three oboes (one dbl. English horn).
• Three b-flat clarinets (one dbl. A, E-flat, or bass clarinet).
• Two bassoons.
• Four horns.
• Three trumpets.
• Three trombones.
• One tuba.
• Timpani and three percussionists.
• No harp.
• Strings (8-8-6-6-3).

Winds and brass are fully capable of doublings, although stresses on the extremes (contrabassoon, e.g.) can be difficult. Full divisi is available in the strings, but piano and especially harp can also be a difficult addition. But it is in the percussion that most of the restrictions exist. Specialty percussion equipment must be rented and this can stress NCO’s budget. Therefore, NCO will limit the use of exceedingly varied percussion requirements.

Length and type of works

The orchestra is at a very high amateur level – difficulty of the works will not be an issue. NCO is primarily interested in works between five to 15 minutes. Symphonic works are most welcome, but will also consider full brass or winds ensemble pieces of at least 12 and 16 unique parts. Composers should not be afraid to send what they feel is their best work even if it exceeds these guidelines.

How to submit

Composers should include a recorded performance of the piece or a MIDI mockup in addition to the score – this will make the selection process immensely easier for the multiple people who will be asked to help in the selection process. Composers should also include a CV and other composing and performance information on PDF files if at all possible. NCO will be selecting at least two works and possibly three, dependent upon their collective length.

Performances will be recorded and composers are welcome to use copies of the recordings for non-commercial purposes. NCO would very much like the composers of its selections to be at the concerts for performance although this is not required for selection. NCO cannot promise full reimbursement for travel expenses, but it will try its best to have these composers in house to personally accept the applause of its appreciative audience.

Interested composers should submit their works here before 15 September.

View the original call here.