Composer

Are you an experienced composer interested in working with an enthusiastic community orchestra to create and perform a new work?

Stockbridge and New Town Community Orchestra (SNCO), Edinburgh, is pleased to announce an open call for a Scottish-based composer to be commissioned to write a new work for community orchestra.

Composer profile

There is no age limit or defined career stage, but composers must be based in Scotland. By this, we mean that your main residence must be in Scotland, and you must have lived in Scotland for at least 18 months.

Instrumentation

2(optional picc).2.2.2 - 4.2.2.0 - timp or perc (1 player) - strings

We are suggesting fairly standard instrumentation, to make the new piece potentially accessible for future performances/performers (at the composer’s discretion). However, the composer should note that in common with many community orchestras SNCO’s actual balance of players may not always adhere strictly to this formula.

Duration

3 – 5 minutes

Premiere

The new work will be premiered at SNCO’s spring concert on the afternoon of Saturday 31st May 2025, 1515, at Stockbridge Parish Church, Edinburgh.

Process

The successful applicant will be chosen by a sub-committee of SNCO players and SNCO Musical Director/Conductor Louise Martin.

The composer will be welcome to meet and work with SNCO during the development of the new work (though please see below regarding costs incurred in doing so).

The composer should, by the deadline, deliver a full score and set of parts (hard copies/printed).

Key dates

• Friday 22nd November 2024, 1700 – applications close
• Friday 29th November 2024 - successful applicant informed
• Monday 31st March 2025, 1700 - deadline for submitting composition
• Saturday 31st May 2025, 1515 - premiere                       

About SNCO

Stockbridge and New Town Community Orchestra in Edinburgh is a for-fun organisation of 50-60 amateur musicians who like to get together on Thursday nights for a bit of playing. We welcome all abilities, all ages and all backgrounds; and we do not audition. (A guideline standard of Grade 4 and above is suggested but not enforced). Further information, including details of the music we are currently rehearsing, can be found on our website: https://www.snco.org.uk/

What we would like

The inspiration for the commission is a legacy from a former member who was a clarinettist. The performance will take place in our 30th anniversary year. 

The orchestra members would like a melodic piece of around 3-5 minutes duration, which is joyful and celebratory. In addition, we would like the clarinet section to be showcased for at least part of the work.

Fee

£3000. Please note, this is the total payment including the production of score and parts; there is no additional money available e.g. to attend rehearsals or the concert 

How to apply

Applications should comprise all of the following:

• Short biography (max 300 words) or CV (max 2 sides A4), or link to these details on a website
• Personal Statement: describe how you would approach this commission, explaining how you would reconcile the integrity of your compositional style with the needs of a mixed ability community orchestra. This statement may be a written submission (300 words max), spoken word, or video clip.
• Two recordings or other audio samples of previous, relevant work via a link or mp3
• Performance materials for one of the submitted recordings (score or performance instructions, in PDF format)

Please submit these materials to info@snco.org.uk using the subject line ‘Commission application’.

You will receive confirmation of receipt of your application; but please note that as a small organisation run entirely by volunteers we have very limited resources. We are therefore unfortunately unable to offer feedback to unsuccessful applicants or enter into correspondence regarding individual applications.

This commission has been made possible thanks to the generosity of Gail Harvey and Lesley Cameron, in memory of Tony Flockhart