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 adult choirs. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges and the winning entry will be announced in November 2007. The 2007 competition will be for an SATB work for mixed-voice adult choir.
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. There is no age limit.
What is the Award?
The cash prize for the winning composition will be $1,000.00 (Cdn). The work will be premiered by the Amadeus Choir, under the direction of conductor and artistic director Lydia Adams, at a concert in the spring of 2008.
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:
- This year's competition is for an original work for SATB mixed-voice adult choir, with or without divisi, 4 - 12 minutes in length.
- Compositions may be a cappella or accompanied by up to three instruments.
- Texts may be sacred or secular. It is the responsibility of the composer to obtain permission for the use of texts with a copyright.
- The composer shall retain the copyright of the work.
- 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:
- Scores must be postmarked no later than September 30, 2007.
- 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).
- 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.
- The composer's name must not appear on any score.
- The Award winner will be announced in November 2007.
Download the application form here.
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 |
All three works will be performed May 3, 2008 at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, Toronto, by The Amadeus Choir, under the direction of conductor Lydia Adams.