November Newsletter

Dear Subscriber

Welcome to our November Newsletter. In this issue, we have a brief review of our recent Indaba; a reminder of the Call for Scores for next year’s World Music Days; use of NMSA website for members; information about some music festivals as well as the usual reminder of opportunities.

As always, do let me know of any newsworthy items, for the next issue, that would help you to publicise your events in or after January 2018. Likewise, if you hear of any composers’ or performers’ opportunities, just send an email to me at [email protected].
 

NewMusicSA Indaba 2017

The Indaba held in Pretoria during 10 to 12 November was very successful. This year saw a wide range of diversity from ‘speaking pianist’ – a performance of Frederic Rzewski’s ‘De Profundis’, performed by Joanna Wicherek from Poland – to traditional South African songs performed by Cora-Mari van Vuuren and Loveline Madumo. This year’s event was on a relatively small scale, but it was able to include at least 4 first performances. In addition, videos provided by two composers were shown publically for the first time, as well as a video taken from the 2014 Unyazi in Johannesburg.

Besides live concerts, an art installation was given by Tshidzo; a children’s workshop was featured and, at the same time, the adults enjoyed a talk on ‘Dwelling in Dissonance’. A further talk/discussion was presented that related to the piano recital given by Benjamin Fourie.

I salute Douglas Scott for making this event successful and enjoyable.
 

Reminder: Call for Scores, ISCM World Music Days 2018

Please note: to date, we have received no scores from any of our members. The following acts as a gentle reminder as the deadline for submitting to us is fast approaching. Please support this event by submitting relevant scores.

Next year, ISCM will be holding their World Music Days in Beijing, China from 19 to 26 May. They wish to share their call for scores for this event with us, as NewMusicSA is affiliated with ISCM.

As you will see from their call, they require six scores from South African composers by 31 December 2017. Members of NewMusicSA can submit for free, but are required to submit scores to NMSA for selection by no later than 1 December 2017 to allow time for the final selection process. Please can interested members submit up to three scores in one of the listed categories in the call to [email protected]. The following information is required:

• Pdf copy of anonymous score(s), with any reference to the composer’s name removed. (The later requirement is needed only for the final submission to the ISCM). For works without a score, please send audio/video documentation.
• If possible, include an audio or video recording of the score.
• A short biography in English (no more than 150 words).
• Programme note of the submitted work in English (no more than 150 words).
• If additional equipment is needed, please include a technical rider necessary to perform the work.
• Proof of nationality (ID or Passport).
• High resolution digital photograph of the composer.
• Website of composer or publisher, if applicable.

We have decided that, for this year, three of our board members will make their selection independently and the final six will be agreed by all board members. Naturally, for there to be no conflict of interest, no board member is permitted to enter this year. Also, please note that the anonymity only applies to the final submission to the ISCM.

Non-members of NewMusicSA are also entitled to enter. In this event, a non-member may either become a member for R200 and enter for free, or submit individually using the information in the call, for which the entry fee to ISCM is 50 Euros.

If you have any queries or concerns, you are welcome to communicate via [email protected].
 

Use of NewMusicSA Website

It has recently come to our attention that members may have difficulty logging into our website. It is important to set your email as your username, not your own name. If you cannot remember your password, this can easily be reset by following the instructions on the log-in page. If you find that you have not registered on the site and would like to do so, please let me know so that I can send you a link (members only).

Notice to members: the AGM Minutes and this year’s Bulletin can now be viewed by logging onto the website member’s area.
 

Opportunity for Student Composers Forum in Vienna

Diogo Carvalho, Director of Composers Forum, Vienna Summer Music Festival, has some interesting information to share about a composer’s forum to take place in Vienna, June 2018.

The Vienna Summer Music Festival will include a Composers Forum in June where student composers will have the opportunity to take private lessons with Viennese composers, attend daily classes, and have their music performed at the VSMF Contemporary Music Concert.

The organisers have confirmed Johannes Maria Staud joining the Vienna Summer Music Festival - Composers Forum as their visiting guest composer. Johannes will be giving masterclasses and seminars on his work and will be working with students.

They are involving PHACE, a professional contemporary music ensemble that students are able to write for and PHACE will workshop/perform composers’ compositions at the end of the festival.

There is also an opportunity for composers to have their orchestral works read and one individual will have their orchestral work performed in Prague.

If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Diogo on [email protected]. More information is available on their website.
 

CIDIM

‘Comitato Nazional Italiano Musica’ is an Italian organisation that organises many concerts, festivals and competitions. Anyone interested in their activities should visit their website.
 

Reminder of Opportunities

    1.  Call for scores – MISE-EN Music Festival 2018
This festival will be held at MISE-EN_PLACE and other venues throughout New York City on June 27-30 2018, and will include concerts, workshops, and more. The festival has featured more than 30 scores each year since 2014. They look forward to receiving submissions of new scores and to presenting even more unique works during the 2018 festival!

All rules for this call may be viewed via their application link.

Note: Deadline for submission: December 15, 2017

     2.  International Chamber Music Competition
The next “Città di Pinerolo e Torino – Città Metropolitana” International Chamber Music Competition (for the Cities of Pinerolo, of Torino, and of its surrounding area), which is part of the World Federation of International Music Competitions in Geneva, will take place in Pinerolo and Turin from 5 to 11 March 2018. In 2016 the jury of renowned musicians awarded prizes amounting to 23,000 Euros to winners chosen from 100 musicians belonging to 42 chamber music ensembles (under 33 years of age) from all over the world.

Visit website for more information. Note, deadline for entry is 8 January 2018.

    3.  Call for Scores ‘Risuonanze 2018’
Held by Associazione Culturale TKE, this Call is open to composers of any nationality and age. You are welcome to download the full information, noting the deadline is March 19, 2018.