7th Biennial International Commission Competition 2016

FEBRUARY 1, 2016

OVERVIEW

Award

A $3,000 commission will be awarded for the selected composer by the University of New Mexico John Donald Robb Musical Trust. The commissioned piece will be performed during the UNM John Donald Robb Composers’ Symposium, March 26-29, 2017.
Eligibility
There is no age limit, and composers from around the world are welcome to apply. One entry per person is permitted. The winning composer must agree to be present and participate at the Composers’ Symposium for the acceptance of the award and the performance of his/her composition. (People affiliated with the UNM Robb Trust are not eligible to compete.)

The Process

APPLICATION
Composers are asked to submit up to two scores for solo or chamber ensemble. Submitting recordings is optional, but works involving electronics must submit a recording.

SELECTION
A panel of judges will select a composer to receive the commission and will send a contractual letter of agreement to the winning composer.  If this composer declines the commission another will be selected.

COMMISSIONED WORK

1. The commissioned work will be a solo or chamber work for any combination of the following instruments: flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, percussion.  Works with electronics can use up to four loudspeakers plus 1 subwoofer.  Electronics beyond audio playback must either be provided by the composer for performance or negotiated in advance with the Robb Symposium directors.
2. The composition must be between 6 and 10 minutes in length.
3. Source Material Requirements:
   • The commissioned work must make use of folk-song material or a derivative thereof from the  UNM John Donald Robb Archive of Southwestern Music in the Center for Southwest Research, UNM Zimmerman Library. Materials are also available at the UNM College of Fine Arts Library. A link to the folk-song source material can be found here.
   1. This source material may include Robb transcriptions/arrangements of folk songs, such as those found in Hispanic Folk Songs of New Mexico or Cancionero: Songs of Laughter & Faith in New Mexico by John Donald Robb.
   2. This source material may not include Robb original compositions.
   3. It is the entrant’s responsibility to be aware of any copyright issues that may exist.
4. To receive the commissioning award, the score and parts must be delivered by December 1 of 2016.
5. The commissioned work must bear the inscription “Commissioned by the UNM John Donald Robb Musical Trust” at minimum on the first page of the score, below the title.

PRIZE
Half of the commission prize ($1500) will be paid upon delivery of the finished score and parts.  The remaining amount ($1500) will be awarded during the 2017 Composers’ Symposium at the University of New Mexico.  The composer must be in attendance to receive payment.  A travel stipend of up to $800 will be reimbursed for travel expenses to Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA) for participation in the Composers’ Symposium.

HOW TO APPLY

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Application materials and completed scores must be received by February 1, 2016.

Early application is strongly recommended. Entries not meeting requirements will be rejected without recourse.

COMPETITION PROCESS

1. The submission process is entirely electronic.
2. The winning commission will be announced on the UNM Robb Musical Trust website after March 1, 2016.
3. No commission will be awarded if the judges determine that none of the submissions are of sufficient merit.
4. All accepted applicants will receive notification following the announcement of the winner.

HOW TO APPLY
Application materials must be submitted electronically to [email protected]. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. If scanning a large handwritten score, please limit resolution. If you encounter delivery difficulties, contact the Trust at [email protected] for delivery options. 

Each of the following items should be submitted as separate individual attachments:

• One or two scores in multi-page PDF format
• An MS Word or PDF document including the following information:
  • Name, mailing address, email address, telephone
  • Titles of scores submitted
  • URL Links for recordings corresponding to the submitted scores in standard video or audio formats (NOTE: recording links are optional unless scores utilize electronics)
  • A 100-200 word description of intent that conveys knowledge of the source material in the Robb Archive and explains how the commissioned work will incorporate this material.
  • A short biography (100 words or less)
  • Please note where you heard about the Commission Competition

MORE INFORMATION

Contact the Robb Musical Trust with any questions, or by phone at 505-277-8967.

For information about the John Donald Robb Archive of Southwestern Music, please contact the UNM Center for Southwest Research, or by phone at 505.277.6451. The center is located within UNM's Zimmerman Library, and you may also visit in person.

PAST WINNERS

​2014: Luke Dahn, a professor at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa: “Buffalo Dance” for alto saxophone and piano.

2012: Paul Clift, a composer living in New York City: "1950c" for restrung classical guitar.

2010: Colin Holter, a composer based in Cleveland: "The Recording You Will Now Hear" for piccolo, contrabass clarinet, clarinet, piano, vibraphone, violin and cello.

2008: Dr. Gary Smart, a professor at the University of North Florida: "Song of the Holy Ground" for piano and string quartet.

2006: No prize awarded.

2004: Carl Donsbach, a guitarist based in Albuquerque: "Palomita: Canción for Piano Trio."