This scheme has been run by BBC NOW since 2010 in association with Ty Cerdd, Vale of Glamorgan Festival, Welsh Music Guild and Composers of Wales with the aim of showcasing the work and talent of Composers across Wales.
Composition: Wales might look a bit different this year, but BBC National Orchestra of Wales are looking forward to receiving applications. From all applications, six to eight participants will be selected to take part in the scheme.
Who can apply?
BBC National Orchestra of Wales welcomes submissions from composers who can meet the following criteria:
- Born or living in Wales
- Over 18
- Submitting unpublished work
Scores from composers previously selected for Composition will be accepted but may however be taken into consideration in the selection process to provide exposure for the widest selection of composers possible.
What is the process this year?
The project will be led by Conductor Ryan Bancroft, BBC NOW Composer in Association Gavin Higgins and Composer Affiliate Sarah Lianne Lewis who will select the Scores and mentor the Composers during the project.
- The selected participants will have an initial ‘live’ workshop session with the musicians. This is highly likely to be via Zoom due to current restrictions.
- The participants will undertake several professional development sessions in the lead up to a final concert or sharing in 2021 including sessions with members of BBC NOW, orchestra members, BBC NOW Composers in Association, and panel members. These sessions are highly likely to be conducted via Zoom.
BBC NOW Ensemble size
This year due to current restrictions, applicants can submit a composition for a maximum orchestration of: 1.[1/pic].1[1/ca].1[1/bcl].1[1/cbn] | 2.2.2[ten.btbn].1 / T / 2P / Hp / Str[6.6.4.4.3].
Only minor reductions to the ensemble will be possible due to health and safety regulations.
NB: 1 woodwind player for each instrument that can double (the flute player can also play piccolo etc). NB Scores outside this orchestration or written for solo instrument and orchestra will not be considered for inclusion in BBC NOW Composition: Wales.
Percussion
- Max 2 percussion players with following instruments (split to avoid handling of same instruments):
- Player 1
- Bass Drum
Tenor Drum
Snare Drum
4 temple blocks
Glockenspiel
1 suspended cymbal (any variety, we can swap between composers, and have duplicates)
Smaller handheld instruments are all fine. (Tambourine, claves, triangle, Guiro. maracas, etc) There are duplicates of these instruments for player 1 and 2 to use separately. - Player 2
- 2 Toms
2 Bongos
1 suspended cymbal (any variety, we can swap between composers, and have duplicates)
2 gongs low pitch, middle pitch – indefinite pitch, character of instrument only.
Xylo or Vibes (as you decide for blending)
Tam Tam
Smaller handheld instruments are all fine. (Tambourine, claves, triangle, Guiro. maracas, etc)
How to apply
- Please send your Digital Entry Form, PDF Score (not hard copies) and an MP3 realisation of your work via Wetransfer, Dropbox or email to monteith@bbc.co.uk and osian.rowlands@bbc.co.uk
- Please use the subject line: Composition: Wales 2021, Your Name, Title of Composition
Important Dates
30 November 2020: Applications Close
7/8 December 2020: Shortlisting and participants selected
15 December 2020: Shortlisted applicants will be informed
December 2020: Informal Digital Meetings for Shortlisted applicants. Date & details TBC shortly
- January
- 4 January 2021: Resubmission of final scores and orchestral parts from shortlisted participants
25 Jan 2021: Workshop session one: BBC NOW with musicians
25/26 Jan 2021: Workshop with Mentors/BBC NOW musician representatives - March
- Early March: Professional Development sessions hosted
3 March: Workshop session two with musicians
4 March: Final concert / Sharing of compositions
Scores from composers previously selected for Composition will be accepted but may however be taken into consideration in the selection process in order to provide exposure for the widest selection of composers possible.