Composition Workshop with Latvian Radio Choir Chamber Singers

Composition Workshop with Latvian Radio Choir Chamber Singers: New Compositions for 8 Voices and Electronics

Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music and contemporary music festival deciBels invites emerging composers under the age of 35 to participate in an exclusive international workshop organized in the context of “Ulysses Platform” with the Latvian Radio Choir Chamber singers, offering an opportunity to compose for the choir's chamber singers (SSAATTBB) and electronics. The workshop will provide participants with the chance to write a new piece under the guidance of experienced tutors. Selected works will be rehearsed, performed and recorded during the workshop.

Venue: Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music in Riga, Latvia
Ensemble in residence: Latvian Radio Choir Chamber Singers (Kaspars Putniņš, Conductor)
Composition tutors: Juste Janulyte, Liisa Hirsch, Mārtiņš Viļums, Dimitris Maronidis

Application Guidelines:

Applicants must be under 35 years old (born after 01.08.1990)
Applicants must be Europe based
Submit 2 previously written scores (preferably for voice) and audio files (if available).
Deadline for applications: March 1st, 2025
Application fee: 30 euros
Application form: here

The application should include:

a scanned copy of identity document
confirmation of payment of application fee
Scores and links to the works

Process:
By April 1st, 2025, a jury consisting of the four tutors and conductor Kaspars Putniņš will select 8 active participants and 10 observers.
The selected eight composers will be invited to write an original work for eight singers and electronics in the form of a sketch, with a duration not exceeding 5 minutes, to be submitted by July 14, 2025.
The works will be rehearsed and recorded during a one-week workshop which will take place August 11-17, 2025 in Riga.
The jury will then shortlist five composers who will have the opportunity to complete and extend their works to a maximum of 10 minutes.
A public concert of the selected compositions will take place at the deciBels festival on March 20, 2026, in Riga, Latvia.

Electronics:
All compositions must use fixed or live electronics.
All the active participants will get the opportunity to have individual meetings with each of the tutors plus three rehearsals of their sketch (each rehearsal is 35 minutes).
Observers will have an opportunity to attend all the activities of the workshop (lectures, rehearsals and presentations). They will also have the chance to have two individual meetings to present their work.

Participation fees:

Active participants:
400 euros to be paid in two instalments:

200 euros by 01.05.2025
200 euros by 01.08.2025

Observers:

200 euros by 01.08.2025

Recipient: JVLMA
Address: Kr.Barona 1, Riga, LV-1050
Registration No.90000028796
Account: LV82UNLA0050001310718
Purpose of payment (mandatory): Ulysses platform young composers workshop fee (application)
Receiving bank: SEB Banka AS
SWIFT: UNLALV2XXXX

Participants are responsible for their traveling, accommodation and food expenses. Traveling and accommodation expenses as well as fees of two active participants will be covered by the Ulysses Platform.

Composition Workshop with Latvian Radio Choir Singers” is implemented in the framework of the ULYSSES Platform, co-funded by the European Union.

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