The TMC is calling for choral composition submissions to its new Choral Composition Competition, an annual competition launched in August 2015. This competition focuses on works by emerging unpublished Canadian composers.

Composers will be asked to submit an unpublished work for SATB or double choir, either a cappella or accompanied by piano or organ that is not more than 5 minutes in length. All of the submission details are available online on the Choral Composition Competition page. The deadline for submissions is November 13, 2015.

The jury, led by Artistic Director Noel Edison, will select the winning composition. The composer will receive the Debbie Fleming Prize for Choral Composition in the amount of $1000, and the work will be premiered by the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, conducted by Noel Edison, at the final performance of the TMC’s Choral Conductors’ Symposium in January 2016.

The prize is made possible by a donation from Debbie Fleming, a TMC alumna who sang in the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir for 40 years and who retired from the Choir in June 2015.  The TMC is grateful for Debbie’s commitment to the enrichment of the TMC’s education program and to the growth of Canadian choral music.

Commissioning works by Canadian composers is a long-standing part of the TMC’s proud heritage. Over the years, the TMC has commissioned and performed works by Canadian composers, including Healey Willan, Srul Irving Glick, Derek Holman, Ruth Watson Henderson, Timothy Corlis and Mark Sirrett.

This new composition competition for emerging composers joins other TMC initiatives that support the development and strengthening of choral music in Canada.  The TMC supports the development of singers through its Apprentice program (for singers aged 17-22) and the development of choral conductors through its annual Choral Conductors’ Symposium and its Associate Conductor position.

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