Aspiring composers in UK state schools have less than two weeks to enter the ORA Singers Composer Competition, an educational scheme for choral composers supported by Signatur, PRS Open Fund, The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust and Scala Radio.
‘We are looking for individuals we can nurture’, says the ORA Singers website. ‘If you have a passion for music, some experience in music notation, and want the opportunity to be given leading industry guidance, this this competition is for you.’
All that entrants need to apply is to send a snippet of their composing work, a personal statement about their love of composing and a completed application form. 10 finalists will receive 10 hours of mentoring to write a new a cappella choral work from one of five successful UK composers: Ken Burton, Kim Porter, Harry Escott, Richard Allain and Janet Wheeler (pictured above).
20 further entrants will be selected as ORA Apprentices who will join a workshop scheme presented by composer Rory Wainwright Johnston. Finalists will also have the opportunity for their work to be performed at the Final Competition Concert.
Entrants do not need to specialise in any particular musical form – applicants can submit songs or instrumental pieces of all genres. Some indication of an understanding of musical notation is required.
ORA Singers has also reworked its free composers’ educational resource, Composer Create, offering a step by step guide to vocal composition.
The application deadline is 8 January 2021. The office is closed over the Christmas period but for further information email: www.competition@orasingers.com or call 07949 109177.
