RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and CMC announce 'Composer Lab'

Tue 8 Dec 2015
124 David Fennessy

CMC and the RTE National Symphony Orchestra are delighted to announce the new pilot initiative, Composers Lab, for 2016. Aimed at composers who have had their work performed professionally but who have not yet worked with a professional symphony orchestra, the purpose of this initiative is to provide a creative and open environment for composers to deepen their experience in writing for symphony orchestra.

What happens in Composer Lab?

  • A maximum of four composers will be selected to take part in the Composer Lab.
  • Composers selected will be expected to prepare a 6 - 8min work in progress for symphony orchestra (3.3.3.3 / 4.3.3.1 / tmp+3 / hp / str).
  • This work in progress will be the focus of a preparatory meeting with the Composer Lab mentor, David Fennessy at the CMC on 18 February 2016. 
  • This completed work will be submitted to the RTÉ NSO by 11 March 2016.
  • This work will then be the focus of an intensive workshop, taking place at the National Concert Hall on 4/5 April 2016 which will be open to the public.
  • The workshop will be led by David Fennessy and will involve the RTÉ NSO and conductor Gavin Maloney.
  • Following this workshop and subsequent revisions to the score and parts, the composers' works will be performed by the RTÉ NSO in a concert at the National Concert Hall on Monday 16 May 2016.

Would you like to apply for Composer Lab?

The RTÉ NSO and CMC are now seeking expressions of interest in this initiative. In order to make a submission, composers must submit the following by email to submissions@cmc.ie by 5pm on Tuesday 22 December 2015 (please put RTÉ NSO in the subject).

  • 2 recent completed scores in pdf format (not excerpts) and a link to a recording of a performance or electronic realisation of each score.
  • CV to include details of past performances.
  • A short paragraph outlining your reasons for wanting to engage with this initiative.

Please note that the project is open to composers registered with the Contemporary Music Centre. Please note there is no age restriction for applicants. Composers chosen to participate will be informed by 15 January 2016 and may apply for CMC travel bursaries in respect of travel within the island of Ireland.

More information on Composer Lab can be found here.