CALL FOR SCORES: EarShot Readings @ Detroit Symphony

Detroit Symphony Orchestra
New Music Readings for African-American Composers
Submission Deadline: October 11, 2013
Readings: March 9-10, 2014

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin, Music Director, and EarShot announce DSO New Music Readings to be held in conjunction with the DSO’s “Classical Roots” celebration March 9-10, 2014, in Detroit, MI. The Readings will provide up to four emerging African-American composers the opportunity to work closely with the nationally acclaimed DSO under the baton of music director Leonard Slatkin.

Composers will be selected for the readings on a competitive basis. The experience will include feedback from DSO musicians, Maestro Slatkin, and mentor composers Bright Sheng, Gabriela Lena Frank, Derek Bermel, and Carman Moore. In addition, professional development workshops with leading professionals in the field will be offered.

Composers selected will be responsible for delivering professional-quality score and parts. Composers will receive a recording of their work for archival and study purposes. Travel and accommodations will be provided.

Submissions are due by Friday, October 11, 2013. Please see below for submission procedures and guidelines. There is no application fee.

The internationally acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra, which celebrated its 125^th anniversary in December 2012, is known for trailblazing performances, visionary maestros, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and an unwavering commitment to Detroit. Esteemed conductor Leonard Slatkin, called “America’s Music Director” by the Los Angeles Times, became the 12th Music Director of the DSO in 2008.  The DSO’s performance schedule includes Classical, Pops, Jazz, Young People’s, Neighborhood concerts, and collaborations with chart-topping musicians from Smokey Robinson to Kid Rock.  A commitment to broadcast innovation began in 1922 when the DSO became the first orchestra in the world to present a radio broadcast and continues today with the free Live from Orchestra Hall webcast series.  Making its home at historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Music Center, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, the DSO actively pursues a mission to impact and serve the community through music. DSO has a special commitment to honoring African-American contributions to classical music, hosting “Classical Roots” for the last 34 years.

About EarShot

The DSO ‘Classical Roots’ Readings are part of EarShot: the nationwide network of new music readings and composer-development programs. The goals of EarShot are to create the nation’s first ongoing systematic program for identifying emerging orchestral composers; to provide professional-level working experience with orchestras from every region of the country; and to increase awareness of these composers and access to their music throughout the industry. EarShot is a partnership of American Composers Orchestra, American Composers Forum, New Music USA, and the League of American Orchestras.