Chronos Vocal Ensemble - Choral Composition Competition

4TH ANNUAL CHORAL COMPOSITION COMPETITION
DEADLINE EXTENDED: 11 January 2021

Chronos Vocal Ensemble is an ambitious nonprofessional choir based in the Edmonton area. Founded in 2013, we deliver compelling and high-calibre choral performances in Edmonton and beyond. In 2015, we won the Healey Willan Grand Prize in the National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs. Chronos has released three recordings, each including new music by Canadian composers: Presenting Chronos Vocal Ensemble (2015), The Simplest Way: The Music of Trent Worthington (2016) and Fresh:New Music from Canada (2018). The choir has performed at Podium both in 2016 (Edmonton) and 2018 (St. John’s). In March 2020, Chronos appeared at the Northwest Division Conference of the American Choral Directors Association in Spokane, WA. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, in the initial part of the 2020-21 Season, Chronos Vocal Ensemble has produced outdoor performances, experimented with virtual and in-person rehearsal styles, and released two virtual-choir-style recordings including the premiere of Matthew Emery’s new work “Breathe”. Now, we are pleased to launch the 2020 edition of the Chronos Vocal Ensemble Choral Composition Competition.

For 2020 we are seeking a composition that will feel timely and relevant for performance in spring 2021 but which will also be meaningful beyond the short term. We also prefer to select a winning entry that will provide for flexibility in the means of rehearsing and producing a premiere performance if necessary. This may mean limited in-person rehearsal, a premiere in virtual-choir style, or with a reduced number of singers.

The competition prize has been generously provided by an anonymous supporter for the fourth consecutive season.

Eligibility

• Composer must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or landed immigrant. 
• The work submitted must be original, not an arrangement of a pre-existing work or melody. 
• The composition must not have been commissioned, published, performed or recorded at the time of entry, and must remain so until premiered by Chronos Vocal Ensemble within the following year. 
• Entries employing a text under copyright must provide proof of permission.

Prizes

• The winning composition will be premiered by Chronos Vocal Ensemble in 2021 in live or recorded format. The composer will receive a recording of the performance.
• A prize of $1500 will be awarded.
• Chronos Vocal Ensemble will champion the winning composition and promote the work further as warranted. 

Full guidelines and submission instructions are found at https://chronosvocalensemble.com/new-music/choral-composition-competition/