The prize-winning work will be premiered on October 8th, 2021 in the Grand Hall of the Konzerthaus Vienna under the direction of chief conductor Marin Alsop. The concert will be recorded by ORF and broadcasted on the Ö1 program. RSO and JMLU are continuing their first collaboration from 2017/18. The composition competition "Spheres of a Genius" was based on the 100th birthday of the jazz composer and pianist Thelonious Monk. This time "Spheres of a Genius" pays tribute to Leonard Bernstein.
Idea and outline of the competition
As an artist, Bernstein built bridges in Vienna, and in great cities everywhere. His intelligence, charm, wit, and unimpeachable musical instincts brought people together – musicians and music lovers alike.
He mediated between different musical worlds - borrowing freely from contemporary styles like jazz, blues and popular music - then shaped a “classical” sound that became his signature.
Because of his Jewish background, Bernstein held ambivalent views towards Vienna. He forged positive experiences with artists and orchestras, ever mindful of the city’s history with National Socialism.
The task of the composition competition relates to the role of Leonard Bernstein as a composer. The winning piece shall succeed in transferring the impulses given by Bernstein towards composed music
beyond stylistic barriers into a demanding musical language of the 21st century and shall especially consider the ways in which Bernstein discussed jazz in the concert hall and included jazz elements in
his own works.
The aim of the contest
The composition competition relates to the role of Leonard Bernstein as a composer. Competitors should aim to create music that reflects the spirit of Leonard Bernstein, his innovation,
originality and expressiveness. Special consideration should be given Bernstein’s views on reaching across stylistic borders, expanding the language through the use of jazz elements.
The call directs composers to create work that is original, and not quoting from Bernstein. The winning composition must bare evidence of inspiration, rather than imitation."
Ensemble and instrumentation
The composition must not exceed 12 minutes.
The orchestral composition must not exceed the following instrumentation Orchestra: 3333 – 4331 – hf – tmp – orchestral percussion (3) – Strings 14-12-10-8-6.
Woodwinds (3333): 3 flutes (inc. opt. Piccolo), 3 oboes / cor anglais, 3 clarinets (inc. bass clarinet), 2 bassoons, 1 contrabassoon
Brass (4331): 4 horns (F), 3 trumpets, 3 trombones (inc. bass trombone), 1 tuba
Harp (1)
Timpani (1)
Orchestral Percussion (3): marimba, vibraphone etc., to be allocated freely
Strings (14-12-10-8-6): 14 first violins, 12 second violins, 10 violas, 8 celli, 6 double basses
Soloists are not provided. The composer will provide the sheet music free of charge.
Jury and selection process
The Jury will consist of 4 independent members: Representatives of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, JAM MUSIC LAB – Private University for Jazz and Popular Music Vienna and independent
music experts. The decision of the jury will be announced in writing by e-mail one month after the final submission deadline of phase 2.
Prizes
1st prize: The winning composition will be premiered by the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Soloists in the Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein on October 8th, 2021 and broadcasted
as part of the Ö1 radio program. The prize money is 5,000 EUR.
2 nd prize: 3,000 EUR
