ELIGIBILITY & GUIDELINES
Applicants must be a resident of British Columbia, Canada. Applicants who are from British Columbia but currently study outside of the province are eligible to apply. If such an applicant is successful, the cost of travel and accommodation is at their own expense. There are no age restrictions.
Each composer may submit only one composition for consideration. Works that have been professionally performed are not eligible. Works previously submitted to the VS for consideration may be resubmitted. Compositions must be less than fifteen minutes in length. A portion or movement from a longer work may also be considered.
Works must be scored for a maximum instrumentation of:
Woodwinds: 2 flutes (2nd doubling piccolo), 2 oboes (2nd doubling English horn), 2 clarinets (2nd doubling bass clarinet), 2 bassoons (no doubling)
Brass: 4 French horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones (2 tenor, 1 bass), 1 tuba
Percussion: Timpani (1 player) + 1 percussion player
Harp: 1 player
Strings: violin I, violin II, viola, cello, double bass
String count: 6, 5, 4, 4, 2
Additional players can be provided at the expense of the composer. Piano costs may include rental and tuning fees. Works with soloists will be considered. Soloist(s) will be provided by the composer without cost to the Victoria Symphony. Indigenous composers are welcome to include vocal and instrumental soloists from their traditions. Costs for Indigenous performing artists may be covered by the Victoria Symphony on a case-by-case basis.
Works employing electronics, MIDI and digital technology will be considered. The orchestra, however, may not be amplified. Any and all electronics must be provided by the composer without cost to the Victoria Symphony.
All successful composers must be prepared to provide professional, legible orchestral parts and conductor score prepared according to the MOLA (Major Orchestra Librarians Association) guidelines (PDF attached). Parts and scores must be in booklet format at a size of either 9×12 or 10×13 inches. Additional information can be provided for printing services. Please do not include bow markings in the score or parts except those already indicated as part of the composition.
A complete submission must include the following:
- Cover letter with name, contact information, work title, instrumentation and duration. If the work has been performed previously, please list dates and presenters.
- PDF of score, clearly labeled with the composer’s name, title of the work, instrumentation (including percussion requirements), and duration.
- Link to a midi or live recording.
- A current curriculum vitae.
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