The Westerlies are thrilled to announce the Westerlies Fest 2021 Commission Contest!

The Westerlies will select one composer to write a new piece for the quartet, to be premiered virtually at Westerlies Fest in February 2021. The winning composer will receive a $1000 honorarium.

Eligibility:

  • The contest is open to anyone 25 and under, anywhere in the world

Application Information:

  • Applicants may submit 1-2 work samples in ANY recorded or notated form. Scores, sketches, graphic notation, recordings, or midi mockups are all welcome.

  • The submissions do not need to be scored for brass. We encourage applicants to submit the work they are most passionate about.

  • Work samples will be evaluated on compositional imagination and the ability to speak to the listener on an emotional level. 

  • Work samples will be reviewed blindly, without knowledge of the composer’s identity. Please remove any identifying information from scores or recordings (name, performers, publisher, etc…)

Following a review process by The Westerlies, one composer will be selected to write a new 5-minute piece for the ensemble. The winning composer will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with the ensemble throughout the compositional process.

Deadlines:

  • Applications must be received by December 1st, 2020

  • The winning composer will be notified by December 7th, 2020

  • First draft due January 1st, 2021

  • Final draft due January 15th, 2021

To apply, please complete the following form and email your work samples to westerliesmusic@gmail.com no later than December 1st, 2020. There is no fee to apply.

Please contact us if you have any questions!