Making Score

Directed by composer/performer Derek Bermel, the New York Youth Symphony's "Making Score" is a series of workshops designed to explore the world of composing and orchestration for the younger musician. Recent speakers at the workshop included composer/saxophonist Fred Ho and violinist Jennifer Koh.

ASCAP and Lotte Lehmann Foundation Announce New Song Cycle Competition For Young Composers

ASCAP Vice President and Director of Concert Music Frances Richard and President of the Lotte Lehmann Foundation (LLF) Daron Hagen have announced the creation of the first ASCAP/Lotte Lehmann Foundation Song Cycle Competition. The competition, named for legendary soprano Lotte Lehmann, was established to recognize talented young composers who write for voice. Winning works will be selected via a juried national competition from amongst eligible composers under the age of thirty.

First Prize will be a $3,500 commission for a song cycle for voice and piano, publication by E.C. Schirmer of the completed work, and performances of the song cycle in three major American cities, including New York. Second Prize ($1,000) and Third Prize ($500) will be awarded to commission two new songs for voice and piano. The deadline for entries is September 15, 2005. Applicants must be citizens, permanent residents of the United States, or enrolled students with student visas, who will not reach their 30th birthday by January 1, 2006. One original work per composer may be submitted. A panel of professionals will be convened to select the composers to be commissioned. Guidelines and application can be found at http://www.ascap.com/concert/lottelehmann/

Conductors Guild Conference

The Conductors Guild held its annual conference in Boston in January. Pictured at the gathering are ASCAP members (l-r): Kile Smith, Jonathan Green, Steven Karidoyanes, Julius Williams, Lee, Lee Actor, Eric Chasalow, Sandra Dackow, Julia Carey, Bill Rhoads, Daniell Dorff, ASCAP's Cia Toscanini, Rodney Lister and Michael Gandolfi.