American Composers Orchestra seeks to identify and celebrate emerging American composers through its EarShot Readings program.
Each Reading typically includes two sessions with a professional orchestra, a working-rehearsal and a run-through performance. The performances are professionally recorded, and each composer is given a high-quality audio recording to be used for archival, study and portfolio purposes. Composers also participate in a series of professional development workshops covering such topics as promotion, score preparation, publishing, copyright agreements, and other career essentials.
Participant composers will work closely with a group of two or three mentor composers, a group that changes for each Reading.
There is no application fee. Travel and accommodations are provided, and composers will receive a recording of their work for archival and study purposes.
Composers selected are responsible for delivering professional-quality score and parts. Travel and accommodations will be provided.
Applicants must submit an electronic submission form, the orchestral score and resume. There is no application fee.
Before submitting an application, carefully review the eligibility and submission guidelines for each call. A complete submission must include the following:
The next ACO EarShot in New York, NY (formerly the Underwood New Music Readings) is planned for June 17-19, 2021. Join mentor composers Derek Bermel, Jonathan Bailey Holland, and Jessie Montgomery, along with Music Director and conductor George Manahan.
Applications for ACO EarShot 2021 close on October 27, 11:59pm EST.
All scores are read by a panel of 3 composers from varying backgrounds, demographics, and styles. The panelists rate the scores numerically on criteria such as originality, technical proficiency, and orchestration. A reduced number are sent to a second panel of 2-3 mentor composers and ACO’s Artistic Director, who in turn select a group of finalists. From these finalists, the orchestra’s conductor and other artistic personnel determine participants for the readings. All panels change with each call for scores.
Review panelists from the past four years include Kathryn Alexander, David Biedenbender, Lisa Bielawa, Chen Yi, Anthony Cheung, Rob Deemer, Man Fang, Gabriela Lena Frank, Jimmy Lopez, Eric Nathan, Clint Needham, Gabriela Ortiz, Elizabeth Ogonek, Kate Soper, Ken Ueno, Dan Visconti, Wang Jie, Wang Lu, Xi Wang, Trevor Weston, and Lidiya Yankovskaya.
For questions, contact Aiden Feltkamp, Emerging Composers and Diversity Director: 212.977.8495 ext 252; or aiden@americancomposers.org
American Composers Orchestra (ACO) is dedicated to the creation, celebration, performance, and promotion of orchestral music by American composers. With commitment to diversity, disruption and discovery, ACO produces concerts, pre-college and college education programs, and emerging composer professional development to foster a community of creators, audience, performers, collaborators, and funders.
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