Call For Submissions - Fort Worth Opera Frontiers 2013

FRONTIERS 2013

Fort Worth Opera’s New Works Showcase

Contact: Kurt Howard, Curator at frontiers@fwopera.org

Entry Fee: $25

Open to: All composers who are residents of the Americas (North America, Central America, South America, and associated territories)

Prize: Six to eight winning pieces workshopped and showcased during the 2013 Fort Worth Opera Festival; housing and travel to Fort Worth will be awarded to the selected composers.

Deadline: May 31, 2012

Receipt Type: Postmark or registered mail receipt

The purpose of Fort Worth Opera’s FRONTIERS program is to give voice to unpublished 21^st century operatic compositions. The initial launch of this showcase during the 2013 Festival will be chaired by Fort Worth Opera General Director Darren K. Woods and a jury of composers, directors, conductors, producers, opera administrators, and community leaders.

DISCOVER. The jury selected by Fort Worth Opera will evaluate blind submissions for the workshop. Works considered should be unpublished (or self-published) operas with a minimum of 20 minutes of completed composition. Six to eight works will be selected for the final showcase.

PREPARE. Fort Worth Opera artists will be coached on the selected pieces by the music staff during the annual opera festival in Fort Worth. Final music rehearsals will be overseen by a guest conductor and held during lunchtime previews open to the public during the final week of the Festival (May 6-8, 2013). The composers will be invited to participate in the final rehearsal process and will receive feedback following the workshop.

INTRODUCE. Artistic directors for professional opera companies, classical music publishers, funding organizations, and Fort Worth Opera community members will be invited to attend the two afternoons of the workshop performances as part of the final weekend of the Festival (May 9-11, 2013). An emcee and the conductors will introduce each piece. Discussion about the works with the composers will follow each session.

Awards: Six to eight pieces will be selected and showcased. Composers of the selected works must attend the rehearsal and showcase period (May 6-11, 2013). Lodging and round-trip travel will be provided, as well as an audio recording of the showcased selection. Works not selected will not be reconsidered for future showcases automatically but may be submitted again for the next year’s workshop.

Eligibility: All composers who are citizens or residents of the Americas (North America, Central America, South America, and associated territories) are eligible. Only unpublished or self-published operatic works will be considered. A minimum of 15 minutes of the composition must be completed. The selection does not need to be contiguous. While the works may ultimately consist of grand scale personnel or orchestral forces, submitted selections may only utilize one to six singers. Only works that can be performed with solo piano accompaniment will be accepted for the showcase; no additional electronic, percussion, acoustic instrument, or other equipment shall be included in the showcase. Works submitted may be in any language. Composers may only submit one work for consideration for the FRONTIERS 2013 Showcase.

Preparing Your Entry: Please contact Kurt Howard, Curator, at frontiers@fwopera.org for submission address and information. Fort Worth Opera - FRONTIERS 2013 - Call for Submissions.pdf

For the anonymous submission, remove or mask all indications of the composer’s name on scores, recordings, synopsis, and libretti. Submissions shall be assigned numbers randomly by the administrator to be used by the jury in the review process. Only 15-25 minutes of a composition will be considered. Send 2 bound copies and 1 unbound copy of the piano/vocal score and 1 CD recording of the selection. MIDI recordings are permissible; recordings of piano and vocals are also acceptable. Electronic submission of the synopsis and libretto of the complete work are preferred; otherwise 3 copies of each should be included with submission. Works not in English should include an English translation of the synopsis and libretto, if available. Also, in a sealed, blank envelope include the composer’s name, address, telephone number, email (to be used for administrative purposes only), and a bio of the composer and associated artistic personnel. If you want your materials returned, enclose a self-addressed envelope bearing the proper postage. Fort Worth Opera is not liable for accidental loss or damage to materials. A non-refundable entry fee of $25US is due on submission. A check payable to Fort Worth Opera must be included with submission. Fort Worth Opera retains the right to select fewer than 6 works for the showcase. Entry fees will be returned if no selections are selected or if the showcase is cancelled.