Do you dream of hearing one of your own carols performed at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge? If so, read on.
A nationwide competition, A Carol For Christmas, has been launched by The Kings Singers to find the very best new and exciting carols from across the UK.
The contest is open to composers of all ages and split into four categories as follows:
- Composition for un-auditioned community choir (all ages)
Entries must be written in unison or as a 2 part (Soprano, Alto) setting and can be submitted with or without keyboard accompaniment. - Composition for SATB choir (under 18)
Entries must be written for SATB choir (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) and can be submitted with or without keyboard accompaniment. Composers must aged 18 or under on 31 August 2012. - Composition for SATB choir (over 18)
Entries must be written for SATB choir (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) and can be submitted with or without keyboard accompaniment. Open to submissions from composers aged 19 or over on 31 August 2012. - Composition for The King’s Singers (all ages)
Compositions must be a cappella and written in 6 parts (AATBarBarB).
The four winning entries will be performed in the stunning setting of King’s College Chapel, Cambridge on December 18 2012 by choirs from across the country. The performances of the winning carols will be conducted by Stephen Cleobury.
Participating choirs include Inner Voices, Quay Voices, CBSO Young Voices and King’s Junior Voices. Their involvement is supported by The King’s Singers Foundation.
As well as having their pieces performed, each winner will also receive £250 prize money, the opportunity to have their carol published by Novello & Co Ltd., subject to a mutually acceptable agreement between composer and publisher, and two tickets to The King’s Singers evening performance, courtesy of Concerts at King’s, where they will premiere the winning 6-part a cappella composition as part of the concert programme.
Each composition will also be recorded as part of the afternoon event and evening concert by Classic FM.
During the proceedings the winners will be presented with a certificate from Woodfines Solicitors, sponsors of A Carol for Christmas.
Submissions will be judged by an internationally renowned panel consisting of Stephen Cleobury (Director of Music for the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge), John Rutter (Composer, conductor and record producer) and David Hurley of The King’s Singers.
During the afternoon of the event, Stephen Cleobury, John Rutter and The King’s Singers will also work with the winning Community Choir and SATB Choir category composers in a special workshop featuring choirs from across the UK.
The competition closing date is August 31 2012 and winners will be notified by October 1 2012.
All composers who enter will be invited to attend the afternoon event on December 18 2012 at King’s College Chapel.
For further information about the competition and details on how to apply, please visit www.acarolforchristmas.co.uk.