2025 Contest Theme: Let the Earth Sing!

Competition is open to current US residents

Level:

• The winning composition must be at a technical level that makes performance possible by a volunteer chamber adult choir of 40 voices.

• Entries must be original compositions (no arrangements of works by other composers).

Voicing:

• Voicing should be SATB. Moderate tessitura and harmonic language should be used for all parts (Sopranos C4-G5, Altos G3-D5, Tenors C3-F4, Basses G2-D4). Some divisi will be allowed.

Text:

• This year the composer will choose one of the three poems provided for their text (poems will be available from this page starting in September).

• These poems were the winning entries of a recent Huntsville Master Chorale and Huntsville-Madison County Public Library poetry contest for High School Juniors and Seniors.

Accompaniment and Length:

• Compositions may be A cappella or accompanied by piano, and/or instruments (up to 15 instrumentalists).

• Compositions should be at least 3 minutes but not more than 10 minutes.

Submission Details:

• Compositions do not need to be newly created; however, all submissions may not have been previously adjudicated or performed in public. The winning entry will be premiered during the Huntsville Master Chorale performances of Let the Earth Sing April 25 and 27, 2025, conducted by Dr. Patricia Ramirez Hacker.

• Electronic submissions (PDF) are required. Audio files in MP3 format are strongly encouraged.

• Scores must be clear and ready for duplication and performance, using one of the standard music printing programs (PDF, Finale, Sibelius, etc.)

• Please remove all identifying marks from submitted scores as the judging will be conducted anonymously.

• The names of all participants will be held in confidence during the adjudication.

• A completed copy of the entry form below must accompany each submission.

• No more than two compositions will be accepted from a single composer.

DEADLINE - Compositions must be submitted by December 31, 2024

Submissions should be sent by email to hsvmasterchorale@gmail.com

Evaluation:

The winning composition will be selected by a panel of guest judges, members of the Huntsville Master Chorale and the Chorale’s Artistic Director. This evaluation will consider the quality of the piece and its suitability for a successful performance by the choir. The winning piece and composer will be announced by email and social media platforms by January 15, 2025. The decision of the judging is final. Should the compositions submitted not meet the standards set forth, the Huntsville Master Chorale reserves the right to withhold the award.

Copyrights:

The Huntsville Master Chorale shall retain unlimited performance and mechanical rights to performances and recordings made by the Huntsville Master Chorale. The composer shall retain all other copy, performance, and mechanical rights to their works.

Award: $1000