INK STILL WET Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble/PRSf Commissioning Scheme
HRSE is offering four commissions, with funds from PRSF’s Talent Development Network, to emerging composers from NI. HRSE define emerging composers as composers without a large track record of professional performances of their works and for whom one of these small commissions, and its subsequent performance and recording, would make a difference in terms of helping kick-start their career.
- Two composers will be selected (open only to those previously commissioned by HRSE for duo/trio chamber works through PRSf) to compose a new work for the full ensemble. Commission Fee: £1000
- Two composers will be selected (open only to those entering the scheme for the first time) to compose for a solo instrument, collaborating with a chosen HRSE soloist. Commission Fee: £500
Commissioned pieces will be no longer than 5-6 mins. max.
Ensemble Instrumentation:
Flute (doubling picc. or alto) • Bb Clarinet (doubling bass cl.) • Violin • Cello • Piano • Live electronics and fixed media may be included if desired.
Proposal Assessment:
The HRSE panel’s assessment of applicant’s suitability for the scheme will be taken into consideration when awarding the commission, as well as the quality of the proposal. The panel’s decision will be final.
Eligibility
- Composers may still be studying, though we would normally expect that they would be at least in their 3rd year as undergraduates.
- Composers are eligible regardless of age, though we remind prospective applicants that this initiative is aimed at early career and emerging composers.
- As this is a PRSF (UK) funded initiative, composers in ROI are not eligible. The commissions are aimed at composers born or domicile in Northern Ireland and proof will be requested from successful applicants. HRSE particularly welcomes proposals from women, disabled, global majority, LGBTQ & nonbinary composers as these groups are currently underrepresented in contemporary classical music.
Additional Benefits
In addition to the commissions, selected composers will benefit from dedicated rehearsals, performances and recordings of their new work, season concert tickets and related networking events.
All applicants to the scheme will be invited to attend workshops and offered access to the Ink Still Wet dress rehearsal and performance.
How do you apply?
If you are interested, please send the materials listed below to info@hardrainensemble.com
• A 250-word proposal (What piece would you like to write? For what instrument? Why should we commission this work?)
• A short biography
• A recent example of your music (in PDF format). You may include a recording of the piece if you want (Midi is acceptable).
Deadline for the submission of proposals is 12 noon, Monday 2nd September 2024. Applicants will be informed by Monday 16th September 2024. The successful composers must be able to deliver the work before Monday 2nd December 2024.
