2009 Harvey Gaul Composition Competition

Winner receives a $6,000 commission from
The Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble,
to be premiered during The PNME's 2010 season.

Honorable Mentions may be awarded at the discretion of the judges
and will also be considered for future performances by The PNME.


History

The Harvey Gaul competition was established in memory of Pittsburgh composer and conductor Harvey Gaul, who was Director of Music at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside for many years in the 1920's and 30’s. Following Gaul’s sudden death in 1945, the "Friends of Harvey Gaul" was established to, "perpetuate the name and remembrance of the humanitarianism of Harvey Gaul, the furtherance of music and other arts, and the promotion of musical education and appreciation"

In 1980, The Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble took over administration of the contest and became its sole sponsor. PNME is honored to continue recognizing the contributions of Harvey Gaul by commissioning new works by composers of the highest caliber and professionalism. The biennial competition is held in odd-numbered years, and the winning compositions performed in the following even-numbered years.

Recent Harvey Gaul commissions include Pierre Jalbert’s "Visual Abstract," Daniel Kellogg’s "Grand Canyon Hymns," and "Soldier Songs" by 2004 winner David T. Little, an evening-length work incorporating video, staging and the recorded narration of letters from combat veterans from Viet Nam and Iraq. "This competition is one of the more generous ones out there," says Noe. "Since increasing the prize money in 2004 we have received an extremely high level of entries from composers who are very anxious to write for us. We’re very anxious to see what this year’s winner will create for us."


To Enter

Postmark Deadline: January 1, 2009
See complete Rules below.

Send the following items:

  1. One copy of a score for a representative instrumental work
    (chamber or orchestral; 4 players minimum);

  2. CD recording of the work (CDs only, please);
    MIDI realizations are allowed but not recommended.

  3. Current biography and/or resume, including contact information;

  4. Entry fee of $20.

Send entries to:

Kevin Noe
Artisttic Director
The Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble
P.O. Box 99476
Pittsburgh, PA 15233

questions?

call: 412-889-7231 or email: contactpnme@gmail.com

 

Past Winners:

  • Stacy Garrop, 2007
  • Robert Paterson, 2007
    (Hon. Mention)
  • Wang Jie, 2007 (Hon. Mention)
  • David T. Little, 2005
  • Daniel Kellogg, 2003
  • Matthew Fields, 2001 (Hon. Men.)
  • Pierre D. Jalbert, 2001
  • Brett Dietz, 1999 (Hon. Mention)
  • Derek Bermel, 1997
  • David Cleary, 1991
  • C. Bryan Rulon, 1989
  • Robert D. Morris, 1983
  • Robert Jager, 1975
  • Jan Bach, 1972
  • Fisher Tull

2006 PNME performance of
"Soldier Songs"
by 2005 winner David Little

  DM1  
DM2
DM3
DM1
DM2
DM3


Contest Rules

  1. Contestants must be U.S. citizens. No age restriction.

  2. All entries must be postmarked by January 1, 2009.

  3. An entry fee of $20, payable to The Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, must accompany each submission.

  4. Winners will be notified in February, 2009.

  5. Judges may not make an award if they deem that no entry is worthy.

  6. Composers wishing their materials to be returned must supply a SASE with their application.

  7. All materials must be clearly marked with the composer's name and contact information.

  8. Scores must be bound and legible.

 

 

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PNME

P.O. Box 99476, Pittsburgh, PA 15233

(412) 889-7231

contactpnme@gmail.com