Competitions
2023-24
E126 Composition
Competition
In 2021, Ensemble 126 started a bi-annual call for proposals and composition competition. This year, we are again calling for submissions (written or proposed works) to our composition competition starting September 1, 2023 for seven flutes ($3,000 USD prize). The competition is partially underwritten by Flute World in addition to E126's education and outreach programs.
This competition aims to expand the repertoire for flute ensemble that highlights the abilities of our group and can connect musical communities through a new music premiere.
Artists that identify as part of ALAANA (African, Latina/o, Asian, Arab, Native American) communities or umbrella of LGBTQIA+ communities are encouraged to apply.
The winning prize includes:
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$3,000 award (supported in part by Flute World)
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Professional audio recording and live performance of work
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Professional video of work in performance
OUR LATEST NEWS:
AUGUST 3, 2024
Ensemble 126 successfully premiered Daniel Cueto's work Ave at the NFA Convention: VIDEO COMING SOON!
March 1, 2024
We are pleased to announce Daniel Cueto as the winner of our 2024 Composition Competition! The world premiere will take place on Saturday, August 3 at the NFA Convention in San Antonio
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June 1, 2024
Winner announced! Finalists, Runner-up, and all other applicants will be contacted by June 3. The competition was steep. Congratulations to everyone who participated!
MAY 15, 2024
With a tremendous success in submissions, our Composition Competition is closed! Let the judges decide!
SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
Announcement of 2nd Ensemble 126 Competition Competition. Refer to Rules & Regulations below for more information.
AUGUST 11, 2022
Ensemble 126 successfully premiered Sami Seif's work Wadi Qadisha (قادیشا وادي) at the NFA Convention: SEE VIDEO. We also did an encore performance on August 12: SEE VIDEO.
APRIL 15, 2022
We are pleased to announce Sami Seif as the winner of our inaugural Composition Competition! The world premiere will take place on Thursday, August 11 at the NFA Convention in Chicago.
APRIL 4, 2022
We were overjoyed to receive almost 100 high-quality entries to our first composition competition. Commissioning a work for our ensemble is part of our core mission to expand flute ensemble repertoire in a socially informed way. See below for our external panel of judges choosing the winner from our pool of finalists!
AUGUST 12, 2021
Ensemble 126 is the winner of the 2021 National Flute Association's C.R.E.A.T.E. Competition! The project comes with a $2,000 grant to support our composition competition.
Rules & Requirements
Submission acceptances start: September 1, 2023
Submission deadline is now closed!
Entrance Fee: None
ELIGIBILITY
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All submissions must be original works by the composer. Arrangements or transcriptions will not be accepted.
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A submitted work aside from example scores included in a proposal must be between 3 to 6 minutes in duration.
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For submissions of works, all must be submitted as both a score and individual parts.
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Finished submissions must have never been published or performed prior to their entrance in the competition.
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Artists that identify as part of ALAANA (African, Latina/o, Asian, Arab, Native American) communities or the umbrella of the LGBTQIA2S+ communities are encouraged to apply.
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There is no age requirement for the competition.
RULES
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Submit a fully filled application form.
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All finished works and proposals must be scored for either the ensemble primary instruments or other flutes. Doubling/auxiliary instruments are acceptable, as long as they are within the full possible instrumentation. The list below defines acceptable options for seven flutists (seven players total):
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Piccolos (up to 2)
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C Flutes (up to 7)
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Low Flutes: alto (up to 3), bass (up to 3)
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Traverso (Baroque Flute tuned at A=415, up to 3)
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Recorders (soprano or alto, up to 2)
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World Flutes (one from this list): Ocarina (C5-F6 or F4-A5), Pennywhistle, Quena in G (G3-A6 chromatic), Sikus in G (Andean Pipes, D4-G5), Native American Flute in F# (F#4-F#5)
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All submissions are encouraged to either include: (a) historical flute(s) (traverso recorder) OR (b) one world flute as listed above.
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All submissions must include alternate parts for any historical or world flutes to be possible as concert flute parts.
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All submissions are highly encouraged to write non-traditional and/or non-Western extended techniques.
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Audio tracks as part of the work are acceptable for any submission.
If submitting a proposal:
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Submit 3-4 example scores (two sets, one must be anonymous with no personally identifying marks of your name) as representative of your overall work. At least two of the scores must be for chamber ensembles. There is no length requirement for these example scores.
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Submit a one-page description of the proposed 5-6 minute work in detail. Include logistics of instrumentation, any extended techniques, subject matter/influences, and any other pertinent information to the proposed composition.
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If a proposal is chosen as the winner, the final work must be completed by July 1, 2024 in time for an August 2024 premiere. Should the work not be finished by July 1, 2024, the prize will be reduced by 50% and the remaining funds will be reallocated to the next Ensemble 126 competition.
For more information and questions: info@ensemble126.com.
PDF Competition Rules in English
PDF Competition Rules in Spanish