In celebration of its 20th season in 2005-2006, the National Lutheran Choir is proud to sponsor a Young Artist Choral Composition Competition.
UPDATE: The October 15, 2005 submission deadline has passed. Further news of the winner of the 2005 contest and future contests will be posted on this website.
UPDATE: Anna Jacobs has been selected as the winner.
The National Lutheran Choir seeks to strengthen, renew, and preserve the Lutheran heritage of choral music through the highest standards of performance and literature. Through this competition, the choir hopes to encourage emerging choral composers and advance the best of contemporary and future expressions of sacred choral music.
Composition Prize
- The winning composer will be awarded a $2,000 cash prize, with the possibility of two honorable mentions also being awarded at $500 each. When applicable, the National Lutheran Choir encourages equitable division of awards between the author of the text and composer of the music.
- The winning composition will be published by MorningStar Music Publishers as part of the National Lutheran Choir Series.
- The winning composition will be performed at the National Lutheran Choir 20th Season Celebration Concert on April 28, 2006, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The presence of the winning composer is requested. Travel expenses will be provided by the National Lutheran Choir.
Composition Guidelines
- Composer must be 30 years old or younger on October 1, 2005.
- Submitted compositions must not have had prior public performances or recordings. Only original works will be accepted (no arrangements).
- One composition submitted per composer.
- Compositions must be for a cappella, SATB choir. Divisi possible up to SSAATTBB. An optional obligato solo instrument may also be included.
- Texts must be congruent with Judeo-Christian theology. Any language is acceptable. If not English, a literal translation must accompany the score. If the language is not Latin or a modern European language, a pronunciation guide is also required.
- Texts must either be original or in the public domain. If texts are copyrighted, proof of permission of use must be included with the application. For further information, see http://www.ascap.com/concert/composeradvice.html.
- The length of the work must be between three and eight minutes.
Submission Guidelines
- Submissions must be postmarked by
October 1, 2005October 15, 2005 [updated]. Please do not submit scores by email. - Composer must submit a legible, performance-ready score of professional quality. Piano reductions are required.
- Composer’s name must not appear anywhere on the score.
- Composer must submit six (6) copies of the score, along with a cover sheet with composition title, composer name, and contact information.
- Do not submit any recordings with the score.
- Composers will receive confirmation of receipt of scores, but scores will not be returned.
- Winning composer(s) retains full rights to the composition.
Selection Process
- Submissions will be screened for adherence to basic composition and submission guidelines by National Lutheran Choir staff.
- Scores will be reviewed and evaluated by a preliminary committee.
- Dr. David Cherwien, Music Director, will make the final selection(s).
- National Lutheran Choir reserves the right not to choose a winner.
- Winning composer(s) will be notified by December 9, 2005. Information about the winning compositions and composers will be subsequently posted on the National Lutheran Choir website.
Send Submission and Inquires to:
Composition Contest
National Lutheran Choir
3355 Hiawatha Ave S, Suite 221
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-722-2301
info@nlca.com (inquiries only)
