Ember Ablaze
Composer Lab Competition
Dr. Deborah Simpkin King, Artistic Director
Dr. Robert Paterson, Composer in Residence
Deadlines
October 15: deadline for submissions.
November 1: announcement of winning composers and honorable mentions.
November 15: introductory Zoom meetings with EACL composers, Dr. Robert Paterson, Ember's composer-in-residence, Dr. Deborah Simpkin King, Ember's Founding Artist Director, and James Mosser, Ember's Director of Operations, Marketing and Public Relations. Winning composers should submit text suggestions before this meeting.
December 15: submit final texts for approval. After which, Robert schedules two more private Zoom or in-person meetings with both composers to discuss pieces and check in on progress.
January 20: final composition submitted
February 6: EACL live workshop with Ember
February 20: rehearsals begin for the May concert
March 10: EACL composer final draft due
May 17-19: (Weekend before Memorial Day): final concert, including EACL pieces
(Subject to Change)
There is a $50.00 submission fee. Applicants in financial hardship may apply for a fee waiver through acceptd, for more information about the fee waiver click HERE.
About the Lab
The Ember Ablaze Composer Lab, led by Robert Paterson as Ember's Composer-in-Residence (CIR), offers paid commissions and travel allowances to two composers annually. One composer is aged 13-21, and the other is an emerging composer aged 22-35. They create and workshop choral works for Ember, with honorable mentions for runner-ups. The Lab involves a selection process by Ember's CIR, with finalists creating works of 3-5 minutes (youth composer) or 5-8 minutes (emerging composer). Composers can choose a cappella, or with piano, or obligato percussion instrument (hand percussion, drumset, cajon, or suspended cymbal) with or without a piano. Percussion instrumentation will need to be cleared by Ember first before the composition is written. No other instruments will be considered, just piano or obbligato percussion instruments listed here.
They participate in meetings, workshops, and public performances in Manhattan and Montclair. The Lab aims to support young composers, provide opportunities for experimentation, and promote contemporary music and living composers.
In addition to the Composer Lab, Ember's CIR creates three new works over three years, using one composition scored for Ember and Hang Drum as a workshop tool to demonstrate the composing process. Ember's primary artists involved in the Lab are the Ember choir, Ember's Founding Artistic Director/Conductor, and the current CIR. Ember has a strong history of commissioning and performing works by living composers, actively promoting events to various audiences, including those beyond traditional choral audiences. The Ember Ablaze Composer Lab and commissions for the CIR enhance Ember's reputation locally, nationally, and internationally as a premier choir focused on contemporary music and living composers. The Lab also aims to connect young audiences with non-traditional classical audiences, ensuring Ember's continued value to the community.
Check out the promo video!
Support the Ember Ablaze Composer Lab: Ignite the Future of Choral Music through Your Gift!
The Ember Ablaze Composer Lab is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to nurturing the next generation of composers and advancing the world of contemporary choral music. We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey by making a donation to support our efforts. Your contribution will empower young composers, foster artistic collaboration, and ensure the continued success of this influential program.