The Kings James Bible, known as the Authorised Version, was published in 1611. Now its 400th anniversary is being marked with a series of events and initiatives arranged by The 2011 Trust. Among those is the King James Bible Composition Awards, a competition for young composers. The competition has two categories. In both categories, young composers are invited to submit new works for church performance, selecting and setting texts from the King James Bible (AV). The competition will be open to all composers aged 30 and under on the closing date, 31 January 2011.
CATEGORY A [in partnership with the Royal School of Church Music]
will be for an anthem or song for up to four vocal parts and keyboard, suitable for use in worship and should be composed with non-professional, less experienced, performers in mind.
The final Adjudicator will be Bob Chilcott
This replaces the RSCM’s annual Harold Smart Composition Competition for one year only.
CATEGORY B [in partnership with the Royal College of Music]
will be for an anthem for an experienced choir (such as a cathedral, well-resourced church or professional group) in up to eight parts, unaccompanied or with organ, suitable for use in worship.
The final Adjudicator will be James MacMillan.
Up to four shortlisted entries in each category will be performed by the RCM Chamber Choir at a Prize giving Concert and Reception in the Temple Church, London on 17 May 2011, when the two winning entries will be announced.
The winner in each category will receive prize money of £2,000. The winning work in category B will also be performed at a service at Westminster Abbey in November 2011 which forms the climax of The 2011 Trust’s series of celebratory events, running throughout the year.
Full details of the competition can be found at www.2011trust.org. There will be a registration fee of £20 per entrance and entries will be accepted, online, via the 2011 Trust website from 1 June.
Running alongside the composition, the RCM will hold a series of masterclasses for composers in Autumn 2010, exploring writing for voices, and contemporary music in worship today. These will be open to the public.
For more information contact:
Caroline Watts, Administrator, The 2011 Trust
caroline.watts@2011trust.org, telephone 020 7223 7931
Heather Bamber, RSCM Marketing & Communications Administrator
hbamber@rscm.com, telephone 01722 424847
John Fosbrook, Press and Marketing Manager, Royal College of Music
jfosbrook@rcm.ac.uk, telephone 020 7591 4372
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