Finding a Voice and the Contemporary Music Centre, Ireland are delighted to announce details of the sixth Composition Competition for Emerging Women Composers in Ireland.

With the ongoing generous support of the Contemporary Music Centre, the composition competition will include a workshop for shortlisted candidates as well as composition mentorship from composer Judith Ring during the process, offering a unique opportunity for professional development for both winning and shortlisted composers. This year’s workshop will be with Irish-based American violist Nathan Sherman and the winning composition will be premiered at Finding a Voice which will take place from Wednesday 8th to Sunday 12th of March 2023 in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

From the initial submissions, composers will be shortlisted for a workshop with Nathan Sherman in January 2023, hosted by the Contemporary Music Centre, Ireland. Shortlisted composers will also receive mentorship while working on their compositions from composer Judith Ring. Following the workshop, the winning composition will be selected by composer Judith Ring and will be premiered by Nathan Sherman at a lunchtime concert on Sunday 12th March 2023. This concert will also feature percussionist Alex Petcu and will include the world premières of new works by Siobhán Cleary and Áine Mallon, alongside music by Missy Mazzoli, Kate Moore and Rebecca Saunders.

What we ask of applicants:

-Be an emerging woman or female-identifying composer
-Be born on or currently resident on the island of Ireland

Application process – please include the following:

1. One piece that is reflective of your work which will be used for the adjudication process. Send your score as a PDF, with an MP3 or electronic mock-up if you have one
2. A short statement (max. 200 words) outlining your ideas for a composition for solo viola for Finding a Voice 2023 and explaining how you would benefit artistically from the process
3. Your name, contact details and an up-to-date CV

Please note that previous winners of the competition are ineligible although previous applicants are welcome to apply. All applicants will receive equal opportunity irrespective of civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, ethnicity or indigenous status

Submissions should be sent to: [email protected]

Finding a Voice 2023 will take place from Wednesday 8th to Sunday 12th March 2023 in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, and will feature performances by Nathan Sherman & Alex Petcu, Musici Ireland, ConTempo Quartet, Irish Baroque Orchestra, pianist Antonio Oyarzabal, guitarist Eleanor Kelly, singer Aylish Kerrigan, and many more.

For further details please consult the website link below.