The Sudbury Youth Orchestra is offering a cash prize of $1,000 and a performance by the orchestra of a new commissioned work to the winner of its Young Women Composers competition.
The competition is made possible by a generous donation from the Sudbury Chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women.
It is open to emerging female composers, and those who identify as female, aged 14-24 currently living in Ontario.
The prize will be awarded on the basis of sample scores and a description of the thematic content of the proposed new work. The commissioned piece will be performed at the orchestra’s concert in April 2022, COVID-19 restrictions permitting.
The competition will be judged by Elizabeth Raum, one of Canada’s most eminent composers, Jamie Arrowsmith, director of the SYO, and a member of the Sudbury community.
“It is important that young women feel empowered to not only contribute to the arts but to take on creative leadership roles,” said Arrowsmith, in a press release.
“Our musical ecosystem benefits from the inclusion of all voices, including those of young women just starting out on their creative journeys.”
One of the major initiatives of the Canadian Federation of University Women is to disburse funds to deserving women pursuing their studies. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CFUW a collection was made by members of the Sudbury Chapter to support a local project.
The Sudbury Youth Orchestra was honoured to receive a generous donation of $5000 which will be used to support this competition and future projects to assist emerging female musicians.
Details of the competition requirements are available at www.sudburyyouthorchestra.ca.
The deadline for entry is Sept. 3, 2021 and the winner will be announced on Friday, Sept. 17.
