What is the Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition Competition?

The Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition is a contest for new choral works. It is a biennial competition with categories alternating between pieces for treble voice choirs and pieces for mixed voice choirs. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges and the winning entry will be announced in November 2011. The 2011 competition will be for treble chorus (SA or SSA).

Who is Ruth Watson Henderson?

Ruth Watson Henderson, one of Canada's foremost musicians, is internationally known both as a composer and pianist. Her compositions have been commissioned, performed, and recorded worldwide.

Who is eligible?

Composers must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants. Participating composers must reside in Canada. There is no age limit.

What is the Award?

The award is a cash prize of $1,000 (Cdn) and a concert performance with one of Toronto’s leading choirs. The 2011 winning entry will be premiered by the Toronto Children’s Chorus, conducted by Elise Bradley, in the spring of 2012.

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Copyright Information:

SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers) suggests that you send a tape or piece of sheet music to yourself by registered mail (a photocopy is fine), each piece separately. Do not open this envelope when you receive it in the mail. It is your proof that you composed your piece before the date of mailing. For registering copyright, send $10.00 (US) and a copy of your piece to: Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. USA 20559.

Composition Guidelines:

1. This year's competition is for an original work for treble chorus (SA or SSA), 4 - 6 minutes in length.
2. Compositions may be a cappella or accompanied by piano.
3. Texts may be sacred or secular, in English or French. It should be kept in mind that the text be appropriate for younger singers. It is the responsibility of the composer to obtain permission for the use of texts with a copyright
4. The composer shall retain the copyright of the work.
5. All submissions must not have been previously commissioned or published and must have been composed within the last two years. Arrangements of previously composed works are not acceptable.

Submission Guidelines:

1. Scores must be postmarked no later than September 30, 2011.
2. More than one entry may be submitted, but each entry must be accompanied by a separate entry form and a fee of $25.00 (CDN).
3. Four clearly legible photocopies of the score must be submitted. Do not send original manuscripts. Scores will be returned if a stamped, self-addressed envelope is included.
4. The composer's name must not appear on any score.
5. The Award winner will be announced in November 2011.

Download the application form here.

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2009 Winner

Name	Home	Composition
Michael Cutler	Winnipeg, MB	We Are the Music Makers

 

2007 Winners

The winners of the 2007 competition are listed below.

Name	Home	Composition
Lavinia Kell Parker	Rochester, NY	White Lights in Darkness

 

An Honorable Mention has been awarded to:

Name	Home	Composition
Nicholas Fairbank	Victoria, BC	Iroquois Song
Anthony St. Pierre	Toronto, ON	The Lord is My Shepherd