home | concert schedule
submission guidelines (PDF) application form (PDF) home aco's 2009/10 season         submission guidelines (PDF) application form (PDF) home aco's 2009/10 season         submission guidelines (PDF) application form (PDF) home aco's 2009/10 season	Playing it UNsafe: Call for Scores ACO's laboratory for new and innovative orchestral music Deadline: 5PM April 30, 2010 ACO announces Playing it UNsafe, a research and development laboratory for the creation, reading, and performance of experimental new works by American composers. The goal of the program is to encourage composers to experiment and stretch their own musical sensibilities by developing new works (or works-in-progress) that expand the range of possibilities for—and challenge convention notions about—orchestral music. Playing it UNsafe was conceived to address the pressures and limitations often encountered by composers writing new works for orchestra, a situation that tends to inhibit risk-taking composition and encourages a “play it safe” approach. The program will include an extended series of rehearsal and public workshop/readings with ACO’s Orchestra Underground during the 2010-11 season, culminating in performance in Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall on March 4, 2011. Playing it UNsafe will feature Orchestra Underground, ACO’s groundbreaking small orchestra ensemble that seeks to redefine orchestra music by embracing a wide gamut of musical styles, unusual instrumentations and spatial orientations of musicians, technological innovations, and multimedia/multidisciplinary collaborations. Since its launch in 2004, Orchestra Underground has commissioned and premiered nearly 50 cutting-edge new works. The core Orchestra Underground instrumentation for Playing it UNsafe is: Single winds and brass instruments (standard orchestra doublings are permitted); harp, keyboard, 2 percussion plus timpani (3 players); and strings (6.5.4.3.2). Proposals that use alternative instruments, soloist, electronics, digital technology, video or multidisciplinary elements are encouraged. Smaller instrumentations are permissible; however, proposed works should reflect the orchestral nature of the ensemble with multiple strings on a part. Proposed works may be up to 15 minutes in duration (single movements or sections of a larger work-in-progress are acceptable). Submission Guidelines Proposals must be received by 5pm on April 30, 2010. Composers may propose a musical work or project for Playing it UNsafe by submitting the following: 1. a one-page (500 words or less) description of the work or work-in-progress being proposed, including a statement addressing how the work advances the composer’s output and aesthetics, and the goals of the Playing it UNsafe program 2. a completed submission form 3. one bound copy of a recent and representative musical score, clearly labeled with the composer’s name and title of the work on the cover page (a recording may also be submitted, but is not required) 4. a current résumé for the composer including educational background, major teachers, awards, professional affiliations. (not required if applicant has previously been performed by ACO)   5. a list of works, including title, year composed, instrumentation, duration, and performance history (not required if applicant has previously been performed by ACO) 6. for composers who have not had a work performed by a professional orchestra, a letter of recommendation from an established composer or other music professional, attesting to the applicant’s accomplishments and potential as an orchestral composer (the recommendation may be sent under separate cover) 7. a self-addressed stamped envelope suitable for the return of materials (if you wish your material be returned to you). All supporting materials remain the property of American Composers Orchestra. ACO is not responsible for lost materials Proposals must be received (not postmarked) by 5pm on April 30, 2010. Participants will be selected by June 30. The address to use for inquiries and for sending a proposal is: American Composers Orchestra ATTN: Playing it UNsafe 240 West 35th Street, Suite 405 New York, NY 10001-2506 email: unsafe@americancomposers.org tel: 212-977-8495 ext. 202 video about Playing it UNsafe in 2008: Playing It UNsafe is made possible with the support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Fromm Music Foundation, and with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.