Canadian Music Centre

Recently I was made aware of the Canadian Music Centre...

They can explain it better than I:

The Canadian Music Centre holds Canada's largest collection of Canadian concert music. The CMC exists to promote the works of its Associate Composers in Canada and around the world. The Centre makes available on loan over 15,000 scores and/or works of Canadian contemporary music composers through its lending library. The CMC ... is easily accessible through five regional centres across Canada, as well as through its website.

Basically it boils down to this (which is astounding): They have thousands of scores...and will (get this) lend them to you....free. :) You keep them for up to 3 months, and send 'em back (also free of charge!).

If you're interested in checking out contemporary works by Canadian composers - for eventual purchase and performance, or purely academic purposes this is an invaluable resource...unfortunately reserved for Canadians (however, I believe if you pay the postage, they'll send it anywhere...).

Go here: www.musiccentre.ca

Is there anything like this anywhere else in the world?

Just one more reason why Canada rules.

Amen brother. There's one a short bike ride from my house.

It's great. As we speak... I have three overdue scores sitting on top of my piano.

Mind you, they only hold scores by composers who are members of the CMC... and in the past there's been quite a bit of back-room brawling about who gets to be a member and who doesn't.