Inspired by the success of YLSS's previous commissions*,we are now inviting entries for our 2019-20 New Music Commission. Four of the submitted pieces will be chosen for a Workshop with award-winning composer Howard Skempton, and YLSS players, and from these one piece will be selected for performance in 2020. In addition, each shortlisted entrant will be offered a one-to-one tutorial with Howard Skempton.
○ An open invitation to established or emerging composers to submit a 10-15 minute composition. All entries will be considered anonymously by the Selection Panel and four will be shortlisted for a Workshop.
○ A Workshop for four shortlisted composers. Howard Skempton will give feedback and coaching on each piece as it is rehearsed with YLSS and its conductor Stuart Hazelton. Howard will also offer an individual tutorial with each shortlisted composer. The Workshop and tutorials will be held in Leeds and we will meet travel expenses up to £50 each for shortlisted composers. One composition will be selected for the commission.
○ A commission worth £500 (plus contribution towards expenses) to the selected composer to work with YLSS to develop and rehearse their piece for a performance in 2020.
Entries should arrive at the address below by 31 July 2019. Entries received after that date will not be considered. All entries will be acknowledged. We look forward to receiving your entry.
● 2007-8 Winner - Paul Burnell 3 Pieces for Strings, premièred at CoMA Contemporary Music Festival July 2008 and featured on BBC Radio 3 'Play to the Nation' October 2008. Guest composer: Philip Cashian.
● 2009-10 Winner - Laurence Rose a theory of nothing, premièred at Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival November 2010. Guest composer: Joe Cutler.
● 2011-12 Winner - Alison Wrenn Battle of the Winwaed, premièred at Headingley Music Festival June 2012. Guest composer: Sally Beamish.
● 2013-14 Winner - Elaine Levene Five Snatched Sonnets, premièred at CoMA Leeds Concert at Heart June 2014. Guest composer: Emily Howard.
● 2015-16 Winner – Phil Taylor I See Faces in Everything, premièred at CoMA Leeds Concert at Heart June 2016. Guest composer: Michael Finnissy.
● 2017-18 Winner – Mark Browse Five Variations on Pange Lingua, premièred at St Barnabas, Weeton July 2018. Guest composer: Judith Weir.