New Voices is a program designed for the emerging composer of any age who can benefit from a micro workshop with a professional ensemble. Composers selected for the New Voices program will be given the opportunity to have multiple rehearsals and discussions with an ensemble on the preparation of a new piece for concert performance. Communications between composers and the ensemble outside of rehearsals are made possible and are quite frequent.
A core component of New Voices is receiving direct feedback from the musicians. The atmosphere fostered in the rehearsal sessions is one of collaboration and mentorship. Composers are free to ask questions about their music on everything from notation concerns to technical aspects of writing for a specific instrument to aesthetics of the composition. Both the ensemble and the composer are encouraged to explore new possibilities in a mutual goal: to create the best presentation for a new work.
The concert performance gives composers a chance to present their music in front of an audience that is receptive to contemporary music. The entire concert program will consist of music by New Voices participants. Each composer will address the audience before their piece is performed. This is a unique opportunity to directly share one’s own personal experiences of composing the music and working with the ensemble. This brief address allows the audience to have a stronger connection to the composer (aside from the typical offering of program notes). It underscores the reality that all composers on the concert are alive and very much relevant to the audience.
Finally, the New Voices participants will all receive documentation of their achievements in the form of a CD recording of the concert. If the concert is filmed for video, a DVD will also be included. Participants are able to use this documentation in procuring future performances and various other opportunities.
Each composer will gain significant career experience and hopefully progress in their artistic development as a result of this program. What is more, the participants will have initiated a relationship with a local performing ensemble, making possible future collaborations.
Summary of Program Benefits:
- Two rehearsals (minimum) with a resident ensemble
- Concert performance (on a program of music by other New Voices participants)
- Recording of the concert (CD and/or DVD)
New Voices with International Opera Theater
ACF Philadelphia has announced the details of its next New Voices project. Local emerging composers will have the opportunity to compose an opera scene on a libretto adapted from Boccaccio’s Decameron. Applications are due (postmark deadline) by March 15th. Please see the announcement for full details.
Upcoming Deadline
- March 15th 2010 (postmark)
New Voices 2009
The most recent New Voices program took place in June 2009. The Dolce Suono Chamber Music Concert Series Metal and Wood Band worked with seven composers on the production of seven world premieres. Those involved in this year’s program were:
- Michael Ceurvorst
- Kevin Clark
- Michael Djupstrom
- William Dougherty
- Joseph Hallman
- Thomas Smith
- David Bennett Thomas
The concert, held on June 27 2009, was well attended and received positive and enthusiastic responses from the composers, musicians, and audience members. Reviews for this concert are available online:
“Some New Voices in Chamber Music” by David Patrick Stearns
“Setting T.S. Elliot to music (among other innovations)” by Tom Purdom
Video footage from the 2009 New Voices concert will be posted on www.acfphiladelphia.org in the near future and the audio of the concert will be webcast on New Music Philadelphia beginning in August.
For questions about New Voices, please contact Program Manager James Falconi: james@acfphiladelphia.org