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Composers’ Competition

Palimpsest

New works from old

Calling all composers! We are working on an exciting new project in partnership with Canterbury Cathedral and supported by Arts Council England, the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury Christ Church University and the Joyce Fletcher Charitable Foundation.  

Composers are invited to re-imagine an existing choral or instrumental work for saxophone, choir and organ, bringing a fresh perspective on our rich choral heritage to a new generation of listeners. Four of these works will selected, performed and recorded live at Canterbury Cathedral as part of Canterbury Festival 2022. The competition is open to all and free to enter. 

The deadline for submission is 1 April 2021.  

Composers’ Brief

  • To re-imagine an existing choral or instrumental work. The new composition does not necessarily need to closely resemble the existing piece.
  • Set for solo saxophone (sop or alto), choir (SATB or S or ATB) and organ (if required).
  • 3 – 5 minutes in length.
  • The new composition must not infringe any copyright of the existing piece that it draws inspiration from.
  • Text may be sacred or secular.
  • The piece should be appropriate for a choir of men and boys and/or teenage girls.
  • The recording and premiere will take place in Canterbury Cathedral.
  • Finished scores to be delivered by 1 April 2021.

Prize

There will be four winning entries, who will each receive the following prize:

  • £500
  • Work will be professionally recorded by Canterbury Cathedral Choir and Sam Corkin (saxophone) for Signum Records.
  • Work will be premiered at a launch concert in Canterbury Cathedral as part of the Canterbury Festival.

For full application information, terms and conditions, click here