Hugh Davidson Composer Readings

Each season, the VS puts out a call for composers to submit new work to the symphony. Dedicated to the late Hugh Davidson, a strong supporter of new music, this program provides the opportunity for composers writing music for orchestra to have their pieces rehearsed by the VS, receive feedback, and an archival recording of their work.

Hugh Davidson Readings 2025
Conducted by VS Associate Conductor Giuseppe Pietraraoia
Facilitated by Taylor Brook, VS Composer-Mentor in Residence

Score Submission Deadline:
11:59 pm Wednesday, October 31, 2024

Score Readings:
Thursday, March 27, 2025
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Wingate Studio, Baumann Centre, 925 Balmoral Rd, Victoria

The late Hugh Davidson - Victoria Symphony supporter and friend

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.

DOWNLOAD PDF

APPLICATION EVALUATION 

The quality of the score submitted is the primary evaluation criteria. It is therefore in the applicant’s best interest that the score be clear, accurate, and the best representation of the composer’s work. Incomplete, illegible, or late applications will not be considered.

Applications should be submitted by email no later than 11:59pm on Wednesday October 31, 2024 to soile@victoriasymphony.ca

Successful applicants will be contacted by Friday, November 29, 2024.

PDFs of the final scores and string parts from successful applicants are due at 4:00 pm, Monday, December 9th, 2024. Print copies of the scores and all orchestral parts are due at 4:00 pm, Monday, January 13th, 2025.

Please note, all successful applicants are expected to attend the reading/recording session.

Contact Soile Stratkauskas, soile@victoriasymphony.ca with any questions.

This program is funded by the Hugh Davidson Fund at the Victoria Foundation and underwritten in part by the John H. & Margery M. McEown Trust for the Performing Arts, and the Sunflower Fund.