Orpheus Music wishes to encourage the creation of Australian recorder repertoire that is primarily suitable for students or amateurs. It should be noted however that some students and amateurs are very technically proficient.

Categories

Compositions may be submitted in the following 3 sections:

OPEN

• Work featuring solo recorder
• Recorder ensemble

18 YEARS AND UNDER

• Work featuring recorder

Definitions

Work featuring solo recorder may be a solo work for recorder, a recorder duet or a work for recorder and up to two other instruments. We would prefer other instruments to come from: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, violin, viola, violoncello, viola da gamba, guitar, harpsichord, piano, basic percussion. Other instruments may be included but you will be responsible for providing players for final judging.

Recorder ensemble can include from 3 to 8 recorders of any size (no more than one great bass or contrabass).

Prizes

Publication with Orpheus Music.

Eligibility

Works submitted should have been written after 2000 and not have been published or commercially recorded or have won a prize in any other competition.

Composers may come from any country.

Pieces submitted should be no longer than 15 minutes. There is no minimum duration.

Materials required

Composers should submit THREE copies of the score and THREE cassette or CD recordings of the work. Quality of recordings is not critical but obviously we prefer good quality. The composer's name should not appear on score or tapes. A separate piece of paper should include composer's name, contact details, name of composition, details of the target group it is written for (e.g. beginners etc) and a signed declaration that the composition is their own work and in the case of the 18 years and under categories a copy of composer's birth certificate or statement signed by parent or teacher that the composer is 18 years or under.

Each composer is limited to ONE piece in each category.

Judging Procedure

Judging in all categories will be based on the following criteria:

• Originality
• Playability and appropriateness of recorder writing
• General appeal.

Consideration will be given to the target players of each piece. Thus, a piece written for beginners with limited technical ability will be judged on how well it addresses the needs of that group as will pieces written for much more accomplished players.

Initial judging will be based on assessment of scores and accompanying tapes. The judges will create a short list of up to 5 pieces in each category.

The judges may decide not to recommend a short list or a first prize in any category.

The judges' decision is final and is not open to appeal. Judges comments will be sent to composers when scores and tapes are returned. Results will be announced November 2009.

Deadlines

Scores and tapes should be submitted to:

Orpheus Music Composition Competition
PO Box 1363
ARMIDALE
NSW 2350

and must be postmarked no later than 31 August 2010.

Any enquiries can be directed to Orpheus Music: Tel/Fax (02) 6772 2205, or info@orpheusmusic.com.au

Please see the Orpheus Publications Recorder Composing Guide for valuable help about composing for the recorder. There is also some information on Contemporary Recorder Techniques.

Competition Winners 2008