Polish Composers’ Union (Poland) in partnership with Berg Orchestra (Czechia), Waves Bratislava (Slovakia), and UMZE Association (Hungary) invite composers from the Visegrad Group countries to collaborate on the ‘Renewable Music - V4 Composers for sustainability’ project in the framework of the Creative Europe programme for 2023-2025.
The main objective of the project is to revive international cooperation after the COVID-19 pandemic and to raise awareness of the growing climate and energy crisis by developing environmentally friendly practices in the music sector. Four new pieces of music inspired by the idea of ‘renewability’ will be commissioned from selected composers representing the Visegrad Group countries. The commissioned pieces will be performed at four different concerts (in Warsaw, Prague, Bratislava, and Budapest), each by a local ensemble, whose members will be joined by musicians from partner countries as part of the international artist exchange programme. The concerts will take place in locations that will be adapted to the unique conditions of open-air concert sites, reflecting each location’s bond with the surrounding environment. The concerts will be accompanied by workshops, masterclasses, open rehearsals and lectures. The project will be summed up by an international conference devoted to the ideas of ecology and sustainable development in music.
The call is open to composers up to 35 years of age (born after 1 March 1988) representing the Visegrad Group countries (citizens of Poland, Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary, living in the country and abroad).
The new works for chamber music ensemble of 7 up to 10 instruments to be chosen from: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon / French horn, trumpet, trombone / small percussion instruments / violin, viola, cello, double bass with optional use of electronics, will be commissioned from selected composers. Expected length is approximately 15-20 minutes, scores and parts of composition to be submitted by 31 March 2024.
Selected composers will be invited to take part in a series of workshops with music and ecology experts from June – September 2024. The programme will include visiting concert sites in all partner countries as well as meetings with local ensembles’ representatives, which will facilitate working on new commissions.
The composers will lead masterclasses in all partner countries, sharing their newly gained knowledge and describing their creative process. They will also participate in rehearsals and concerts in all partner countries, supervising local premieres of their works.
The organisers cover all travel costs (train/bus tickets, accommodation, subsistence). Participating composers receive a commission fee of 4000 EUR.
