Chamber Music on Valentia: Fuaimeanna Nua - Call for Music Creators

Deadline: 12 May 2025 17:00

Call for music creators

CMoV are on the search for Kerry-based composers/music creators to write a new work to be premiered as part of the opening concert of Chamber Music on Valentia 2025.

The performance on Thursday 14th August 2025 on Valentia Island is a specially curated programme of music for concertina, fiddle and strings. It brings together Irish traditional music with dances from Bohemia and Scandanavia. The performers are concertina player, Jack Talty, fiddle player Ultan O’Brien, and the festival string artists including violinists Darragh Morgan and Chase Spruill, violist Jane Atkins, and cellist Peter Adams.

Following this county-wide call, two music creators will be commissioned to write a short chamber work inspired by the tune of the ‘Kerry Polka‘ as a starting point. These commissions will create new musical work that reflects on (not duplicates) that tune, for concertina, fiddle and either string quartet or string trio (violin, viola and cello).

How to apply

Applications are now open.

Please complete this short application form (link below). Applications are open until 5.00pm on Monday 12th May, 2025.

The overview

  • The selection committee will select two successful applicants. The successful applicants will receive an €800.00 commission fee each for their work.
  • Please note that this opportunity is open to Co. Kerry-based music creators and artists only.
  • Each selected music creator must respond to the tune, ‘Kerry Polka‘, as a starting point for their commissioned work.
  • The two selected music creators will be commissioned to write a chamber music work of between 3-5 minutes in duration.
  • Full information about the premiere performance will be sent to the successful applicants on 19 May 2025.

Who can apply?

This opportunity is open to all ages, Kerry resident. In particular, CMoV encourage applications from music creators who have not had many opportunities to collaborate with professional musicians.

Desirable experiences and attributes:

  • Experience working on collaborative projects
  • CMoV are open to different forms of notation for the final score & parts of the commission, however an ability to read and compose in 5-line notation would be advantageous

As part of their commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and in line with Art Council Ireland’s developmental policies, CMoV actively encourage applicants from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, including those from the Global Majority, d/Deaf and disabled people, and LGBTQ+ people.

The timeline

Deadline for applications: 5.00pm on Monday 12th May, 2025
Decisions will be shared by Monday 19th May, 2025
Deadline for delivery of scores and parts by 5.00pm on Monday 14th July, 2025

Questions?

If you have any further questions about the call or the application process, please feel free to contact CMoV on info@chambermusiconvalentia.com.

Apply here