The Longfellow Chorus Solo Alto Song Submission Page

Solo Song, Alto, settings must incorporate the poetry, prose or translated texts of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow exclusively. Submissions using texts by other authors or poets will be disqualified. The submission must be accompanied by piano and, optionally, may also contain an obbligato bassoon part to be performed by Longfellow Chorus director Charles Kaufmann, a professional bassoonist. See his bio page for sound examples of his playing.

All settings must reflect an understanding of the life and work of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and help convey the meaning of the chosen text. Entries may represent any compositional style. Successful entries will show insight and imagination and be accessible to the average listener. Additionally, but not exclusively, entries that incorporate culturally and ethnically diverse musical styles and traditions are encouraged. This year, alto song submissions employing an element of humor will be especially valued, although this will not preclude the success of any serious submission. Winning settings will be premiered at the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 203rd Birthday Choral Concert, February 26 and February 27, 2011, at The First Parish in Portland, UUA, Portland, Maine, Longfellow's boyhood church.

Solo Song Alto settings (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem, prose or translation exclusively) must be no longer than 6 minutes.



PRIZES

First Prize: $300, plus premiere performance February 26 and 27, 2011, and archival audio recording.
Second Prize: $50, plus premiere performance February 27 and 28, 2010, and archival audio recording.
Third Prize(s): $20, plus possible premiere performance February 26 and 27, 2011, and possible archival audio recording.

DEADLINE:

December 13, 2010

ENTRY FEE: -- $15

SUBMISSION FORMAT INFORMATION

There are two ways to submit score: regular mail, or email.

Submitting by Email

Email a PDF file of your cover letter and score, following the submission format described above, to Charles Kaufmann (director@longfellowchorus.com)

The PDF file must contain your cover letter as first page, including your name, contact information and title of the choral setting. The next pages must be the actual score without the name of the composer.

Do not send sound files

If submitting online, please include only one copy of your score in the PDF. If sending by mail, two copies must be enclosed (see below).

After emailing a PDF of your cover letter and score, use the "Pay Now" link below to pay your $15.74 submission fee through PayPal (0.74 USD added as online transaction. You still save on postage). A submitted PDF cover letter and scores without corresponding PayPal fee payment by the submission deadline will be disqualified.

Submitting by Regular Mail

The composer's name must not appear on the score.

Do not send sound files
Send two copies of the score.
Please include a cover letter with composer's name, address, contact information and title of the setting.

2010-2011 Longfellow International Composers Competition submissions are limited to one choral setting (less than 6 minutes), one solo song (alto, less than six minutes) and one choral-orchestral cantata proposal (previously composed orchestral score and score work sample of proposed Longfellow cantata) per composer.

MAIL TO:

The Longfellow Chorus, Inc.
C/O Charles Kaufmann
P. O. Box 5133
Portland, Maine
04101

Checks payable to "The Longfellow Chorus, Inc."

Questions? Contact Longfellow Chorus director Charles Kaufmann