The Memphis Composers Institute, a partnership between The Memphis Symphony, the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music of the University of Memphis, and The Walden School, announces a call for orchestra scores for “The Memphis Composers Institute.”

Memphis Composers Institute invites composers in the early stages of their orchestral composing careers to submit one orchestra work for a chance to be performed by the Memphis Symphony. This is a three-day event beginning with rehearsals and panel discussions, culminating with a performance of three orchestral works by emerging composers with the Memphis Symphony conducted by Kyle Dickson on February 9, 2025.

Submission Guidelines

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Open to composers of all ages and nationalities at the early stages of their orchestral composing career.‍ 
  • There is no application fee for this opportunity. 
  • Composers must commit to attend in person. Memphis Composers Institute will provide travel reimbursement up to $500. Local accommodations will be provided. In the event of a cancellation due to a weather event, the Memphis Composers Institute will make good faith efforts to reschedule.
  • Preference will be given to composers whose orchestral works have been performed (not read) fewer than three times in a formal setting. 
  • One submission per applicant

Instrumentation:
The work should be scored for and use most of the following instruments: 

  • 2 Flutes (1 doubling Piccolo )
  • 2 Oboes 
  • 2 Clarinets in Bb or A; Clarinet 2 can double on Clarinet in Eb
  • 2 Bassoons    
  • 2 Horns in F
  • 2 Trumpets in C
  • 1 Tenor Trombone
  • 1 Tuba
  • Timpani
  • 2 Percussion 
  • Piano/Celesta/Synthesizer (1 player)
  • Strings (66432)

This is a comprehensive list of available instruments. No soloists or electronic instruments are permitted. Please ensure that your composition adheres to this instrumentation. Pieces not fitting within this list will not be considered.

Duration:
Compositions should be approximately 8-12 minutes in length.

Submission Materials:

  • Full score in PDF format with all identifying information removed, including any names or details in the program notes. The goal is to ensure complete anonymity for all applicants.
  • Strongly Recommended: Audio recording or MIDI realization 

Entry Fee:
There is no fee to apply.

Submission Deadline:
All materials must be received by Thursday September 12, 2024, 11:59 pm Central Daylight Time.

How to Submit:

Fill out the application form and submit your piece at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCI2024.

In the PDF of your score, remove all identifying information, including any names or details in the program notes. The goal is to ensure complete anonymity for all applicants. File names should match the titles of the work. For instance, if the work’s name is Turangalîla Symphonie, the filenames should be TurangalilaSymphonie.pdf and TurangalilaSymphonie.mp3

Three composers will be selected for this opportunity:

  • One current student or alum of the University of Memphis
  • One current student or alum of The Walden School
  • One unaffiliated composer

Selection Process:

  • The selection process will be conducted in several stages and will be anonymous until the final round.
  • Initial Screening: An administrative review will be conducted to ensure all submissions meet the guidelines.
  • Eligible works will be reviewed by a panel.
  • Finalist Selection: Three finalists will be selected from each affiliation. (University of Memphis, The Walden School, and “Unaffiliated”)
  • One winner will be selected from each affiliation.

Benefits for Selected Composers:

  • Rehearsals and public performance of the selected works by the Memphis Symphony.
  • A high-level archival recording of the performance of the piece will be provided for personal and private use by the MSO, in accordance with the current Integrated Media Agreement.
  • Public panel discussions with musicians and fellow composers.
  • Networking and collaborative engagement opportunities.

Tentative Schedule
(subject to change) 

Friday, February 7, 2025
 Opening Reception
 Memphis Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal

Saturday, February 8, 2025
Panels and sessions
Memphis Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal

Sunday, February 9, 2025
Afternoon Concert with Memphis Symphony Orchestra

Additional Information:
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via phone at 415-587-8157 or via email at memphiscomposers@waldenschool.org. We look forward to receiving your application.