RSNO Composers’ Hub Open call for Polish Composers

Aimed at composers in the early stages of their career, the RSNO Composers’ Hub is a fantastic opportunity to write for orchestra in a range of different contexts, develop skills and creative relationships, as well as acquiring an understanding of the business of a major arts organisation.

Now in its sixth year, up to five emerging UK-based composers and one Polish composer will be chosen to join the Composers’ Hub and spend the 2020:21 season with the RSNO.  In order to reflect the current challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Composers’ Hub will function differently. The Composers’ Hub members will still have the incredible opportunity of writing a work for the RSNO, but, additionally, each composer will work closely with a few members of the RSNO to discuss ideas and techniques and to develop a short piece for those musicians. Out of these meetings, each composer will write a seven to ten-minute piece for full symphony. Online coaching sessions will commence in October 2020. An in person induction will be held in January 2021, with further digital mentorship sessions taking place between January 2021 and June 2021. The scheme will culminate in a public workshop in the RSNO Centre in Glasgow, June 2021, from which one work will be chosen to be performed in the RSNO’s 2021:22 Season.

Composer Opportunities

This scheme is not simply about creating new works but having the opportunity to develop meaningful collaborations with the RSNO and other Composers’ Hub members. Those selected will build relationships with the Orchestra, staff and RSNO audience, whilst receiving guidance in artistic development and career advancement. There will be the opportunity to:

  • Have space to collaborate in the development of new works
  • Work directly and closely with members of the RSNO in smaller groups
  • Observe rehearsals and concerts (social distancing requirements permitting)
  • Spend time with the RSNO’s Music Director, assistant conductor, and orchestral musicians
  • Be mentored by composer Stuart MacRae
  • Participate in a workshop day with an internationally renowned composer
  • Shadow key members of RSNO staff in different departments, including finance and marketing
  • Work with the RSNO’s Learning and Engagement department

Application process

Criteria:

  • Composers of Polish nationality (Polish passport holders), based in Europe
  • There is no restriction on age
  • Interviews will be held virtually in  the first half of October 2020 (we reserve the right to contact only selected candidates)
  • Polish composer must be available to travel to Glasgow for specified periods throughout the season, including induction week commencing 18 January and a workshop in June 2021 (social distancing requirements permitting)
  • Polish composer must be available to take part in online sessions of Composers’ Hub between October 2020 and June 2021 and provide himself with a proper equipment to be able to take part in them
  • Travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed for Polish composer  on the scheme

Please note that applications which do not follow the submission requirements above may not be considered.

In partnership with the Adam Mickiewicz Institute as part of the Polska Music programme (AMI), the RSNO Composers’ Hub offers the opportunity for one Polish composer to participate in the scheme. 

 

The successful candidate will be obliged to sign an agreement with the AMI regarding their participation in the RSNO Composers’ Hub Programme and the composition of a new piece according to the rules of the above mentioned Programme. A condition of participation in the Programme is the conclusion of an agreement with the AMI. S/he shall include information about AMI’s support in all speeches and statements about his/her participation in scheme and the piece composed as part of the Programme or when a new project is the result of the composer's participation in the Programme. In the event of failure or inadequate implementation of the object of this Agreement, excluding force majeure, the participating composer shall pay to AMI any documented costs incurred by AMI in connection with the implementation of contract and return any funds received from AMI.

 

In the event of the occurrence of force majeure, e.g. sudden and unexpected events which could not be prevented or avoided, in particular civil riots, natural disasters, fires, acts of terror and counterterrorist actions, epidemics etc, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra or Adam Mickewicz Institute may be forced to cancel the Composers’ Hub programme activities entirely, or in part. In the event of such exceptional circumstances, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra may also offer alternative activities to those advertised, which may include online engagement for participating composers. Cancellation and/or alternative activities will be considered on a case by case basis, depending on the circumstances. 

 

 

How to apply:

Composers must submit a CV, a one-page letter explaining how they will benefit from the scheme and two examples of their own compositions. One-page letter and CV should be in English. Composition examples should be sent with PDFs of scores (preferably at least one for full orchestra) and sound samples. MIDI files or similar are acceptable where recordings are unavailable. Applications should be emailed to Julia Ablewska [email protected]. Only applications submitted by email will be accepted.

 

The application deadline for Polish composers is 23.59 on Wednesday, 14 October2020

AMI may decide to cancel the open call at any time.

For any queries regarding this project please contact Julia Ablewska: [email protected]