Nurturing talent: TODD Corporation Young Composers Award

Nurturing talent: TODD Corporation Young Composers Award

On 24 November, nine students selected from applicants across New Zealand arrive in Wellington for the TODD Corporation Young Composers Award workshops.

The award, now in its ninth year, provides a unique opportunity for young composers to be mentored by, and work with, esteemed New Zealand composers and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

The highlight for each composer is to have their composition workshopped, rehearsed, and performed by New Zealand’s full-size, professional orchestra – and recorded by Radio New Zealand Concert.    

One composer will be awarded a cash prize of $750 and named the TODD Corporation Young Composer of the Year.

Over the course of three days, the participants are mentored by an established composer and attend workshops with NZSO musicians before the workshop and recording sessions.

In 2013, participants will be mentored by New Zealand composer Anthony Ritchie, whose work is regularly performed in New Zealand and abroad. With an impressive inventory of recorded music, Ritchie is currently a senior lecturer in composition at the University of Otago.

The workshops with NZSO musicians will include learning about orchestral colour and how to get the most out of the instruments being composed for – including specialised instruments such as harp and percussion. Representatives from brass, woodwind, percussion, and strings will meet with the students.

The award is open to young composers up to the age of 25. Entries this year were assessed and will be judged by a panel of established New Zealand musicians, including well-known Kiwi conductor Hamish McKeich, composer and mentor Anthony Ritchie and NZSO Section Principal Percussion Lenny Sakofsky.

Nine composers from Auckland, Dunedin and Wellington were selected from the 25 applicants, with three additional composers attending the workshops as observers.

This unique opportunity is generously funded by the TODD Corporation, and the programme has assisted many developing composers to further their careers.

ENDS

© Scoop Media