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There are plenty of opportunities for composers at the CoMA Contemporary Music Festival Summer School which will run from 20-26 July 2008 at Doncaster College, High Melton Campus.

There are a range of course options for players, singers and composers at all levels, plus a full programme of workshops, concerts and talks. Participants have the opportunity to take part in first performances of specially commissioned works by leading UK composers.

Set on a scarp overlooking the Dearne Valley, the campus offers a range of full board, self-catering and camping accommodation with fees from just £240.

Visit www.comasummerschool.org  or call 020 7193 9787 for further details.

David Lloyd-Howells is on something approaching his come-back since circumstances brought a catastrophic end to his creative life in 1999. However, never say die, he is re-building his life and a new elecronic music studio with plans for an electroacoustic ballet Abelard and Heloise and a computer opera Aberfan. So watch this space.

I am interested in playing (and recording) an album of Music composed by Welsh Composers. I am a guitarist -so am primarily looking for original compositions but am also interested in transcribing music for other instruments (poss. Piano or Harp etc). Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Gerard

We are trying to locate a composer called either Howard Morgan or Hopkin Morgan, who composed a work called "Song Cycle: Five Lyric Poems (Siegfried Sassoon) " which was published by Forsyth Brothers Ltd in Manchester in 1968. Any information gratefully received.

CONGRATULATIONS to Guto Puw for winning the BACS Radio 3 Listeners' Award with his Oboe Concerto, first performed by David Cowley (oboe) with BBCNOW conducted by Garry Walker, 27.04.06.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
FOR COMPOSERS
"CITTA' DI UDINE"
Seventh edition

RULES AND CONDITIONS

Art.1 Edizioni Musicali Taukay, with the support of the Comune di Udine and in collaboration with Delta Produzioni Associazione Culturale, hereby opens the Seventh International Competition for Composers "Citta' di Udine".

Art. 2 The competition is divided in two sections:
- instrumental compositions for chamber group
- electro-acoustic music.

Art. 3 The competition will accept unpublished compositions by musicians of any nationality and of any age. Previously performed compositions will be accepted. Compositions do not need to be sent anonymously.

Art. 4 Section for compositions for chamber group.
Compositions for chamber instrumental group must not exceed a duration of eight minutes.
The instrumental group is made up of:
- a string quartet (2 violins, viola and cello)
- piano
- flute (piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute) / one performer
- clarinet (clarinet in E flat, clarinet in B flat, clarinet in A and bass clarinet)/ one performer
- percussion instruments from the following list: vibraphone, glockenspiel, tom toms (max 5 pieces) suspended cymbals, tam tam, templeblocks, small percussion instruments such as triangle, wood blocks, maracas etc… / one performer

- instruments listed above may be used in any combination
- if desired, just one instrument may be used
- it is possible to use a stereo audio track on DAT or CD in the performance of the chamber music ensemble
- six copies of each score must be sent for the section of compositions for the chamber instrumental group
- should the score be selected for performance, the composer must supply separate scores for individual instruments
- scores will not be returned
- should works contain unknown symbols or marks, the composer must provide explanatory notes in order that the work can be understood correctly.

Art. 5 Electro-acoustic music section
Electro-acoustic musical compositions must have a duration of less than ten minutes and must be presented in stereo on DAT or compact disc. Any multi-channel versions of the composition should be sent along with the stereo version.

- only one copy of each composition need be sent for the Electro-acoustic music section.

Art. 6 More than one composition may be entered for the competition

Art. 7 The winning composition from each section will receive a prize totalling one thousand euro (1000 Euro).
- Edizioni Musicali Taukay will organise the public performance of 6-8 of the best compositions entered in the competition, this will be held in Udine in the autumn of 2008.
- the performance will be recorded on compact disc with the intention of producing a discographic product.

Art. 8 Works should be posted to the competition secretary at:
Taukay Edizioni Musicali - via del Torre 57/5 - 33047 Remanzacco (Udine) ITALY
The closing date is 30 April 2008.
- the postmark will be deemed to be the date of submission.
- the final decision of the jury will be made public by 31st July 2008.

Art. 9 The jury reserves the right to refuse any entry which does not fulfil the indicated requirements.

Art. 10 Each individual composition in each section must be sent together with the receipt for the payment of the entry fee of thirty euro (€30), which should be paid in the following ways:

From Italy:
- vaglia postale postale paid to: Taukay Edizioni Musicali - via del Torre 57/5 - 33047 Remanzacco (UD) - ITALIA
- by credit card using the following link: http://www.taukay.it/2008/competition.html
- by bank transfer using the following banking coordinates:
IT 81 P 02008 12325 000040780136- UNICREDIT BANCA - Agenzia Udine del Ledra

From foreign county:
- by credit card using the following link: http://www.taukay.it/2008/competition.html
- by bank transfer using the following international banking coordinates:
BIC SWIFT code: UNCRITB1N46
International bank account number: IT 81 P 02008 12325 000040780136
UNICREDIT BANCA - Agenzia Udine del Ledra

- for information about other payment methods please e-mail: competition@taukay.it 
- an entry fee must be paid for each composition submitted
- where possible, the "reason for payment" should indicate: Settimo Concorso "Citta' di Udine" 2008.

Art. 11 The following documentation is also required:
- name, surname, address, telephone number, e-mail address (where available), date and place of birth, citizenship
- curriculum vitae and studiorum
- recent photograph of the composer
- photocopy of identification document of the composer
- a statement certifying that the submitted composition is unpublished and has not been awarded any prizes in any musical competition
- a statement agreeing to permit the performance of the composition to be broadcast or telecast and archived without compensation
- a statement agreeing to the treatment of personal information in accordance with Italian privacy laws.

Printable application forms for the competition are available from the web site:
http://www.taukay.it/competition.html

Art. 12 The Jury's decision is final.

Art. 13 On entering the competition and presenting the composition, the composer accepts all the above terms and conditions.
- failing to follow the above terms and conditions will result in the forfeiting of any rights deriving from participation in the competition.

Art. 14 The competent court for any dispute is the Court of Udine.

For further information please visit Edizioni Musicali Taukay's web site: http://www.taukay.it
Or contact us by e-mail at: competition@taukay.it 

The spnm Shortlist 2008: Call for applications
Deadline: Friday 25 January 2008

This is your chance as an emerging composer or sonic artist to set yourself on the path towards a professional career, build your profile and work with world-class musicians and artists.

The spnm Shortlist is a group of the UK’s most exciting composers and sonic artists. To apply, you submit one work, which can be in any style and for any forces and media. If you’re one of up to 30 composers shortlisted, spnm will offer you performance, professional development and promotion opportunities for three years.

Anyone born or resident in the UK and Republic of Ireland can apply.

For full details and a downloadable application pack, see www.spnm.org.uk .

What opportunities will I be offered if I’m selected for the Shortlist?
There will be opportunities to write new works for live performance events and for installations will offer you the chance to create new works for performance events, for installations

How do I apply?
To find out much more about the Shortlist, read full details about how to apply and download an application form, visit www.spnm.org.uk . Alternatively you can call the spnm office on 020 7407 1640 to request information by post.

Who can apply?
People of any age, born or resident for 2008-2010 in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. The only other stipulation is that you must be willing to take part in projects to create new work if you are selected for the Shortlist.

How is the music judged?
The music is listened to and read by a panel of experienced composers, sonic artists, performers and programmers. We are interested in your music, not your CV, so submissions are assessed anonymously.

What kind of music is spnm looking for?
We ask the panel of judges simply to select what they feel is the most exciting new work. We’re not looking for a particular style or form. Works can be acoustic or electroacoustic, installations or pieces for live performance. They can be for diffusion, for solo instruments, chamber forces, orchestra, non-western instruments, for music theatre group, etc.

For more information, call Shoël Stadlen on 020 7407 1640 or email shoel@spnm.org.uk .

A warm WELCOME to new CW member David Lloyd-Howells, with a challenging and
invigorating variety of talents. Read his biography shortly on the members'
pages or at his website: www.david-lloyd-howells.org.uk
 

Annwyl Cyfansoddwyr Cymru,

My name is Casey Cook, and I am Doctoral Candidate in Choral Conducting at the University of Arizona. I am approaching the end of my term and must begin work on my dissertation and lecture recital. 

I have been fortunate enough to have visited Wales on four separate occasions, staying over a month on one occasion, making field recordings and attending rehearsal with male voice choirs.

As some of you know, the focus of one's dissertation serves as an area of deep interest. The specific area chosen will stay with me, and to a certain extent serve as a calling card. 

I am writing today to try and ascertain if there is a viable research topic to create a dissertation, lecture-recital, and eventually perhaps a book. The topic must be narrowly focused, academic in scope, and contain 20-40 minutes of performable music. 

If you have any suggestions, please feel free to email me. I would absolutely love to write my dissertation on a Welsh topic.

Yn gywir,

Casey Cook
Assistant Conductor - Tucson Chamber Artists
caseycook@mac.com 
P.S. I am just beginning my Welsh studies, and therefore do not speak any Welsh. 

Clarinettist Graham Jones is seeking music by Welsh composers for clarinet and piano, also possibly with soprano. Graham can be contacted at liquorice_music@yahoo.co.uk , tel:07814 886152.

Scores can be sent to Graham at 6A Llantrisant Street, Cardiff CF24 4JB. Pieces with a not too difficult piano part will be welcome also.

Active Music Services has been providing innovative Concert Programme Notes for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales as well as Welsh Festivals and UK/International professional orchestras and Choirs for 12 years. 

The company, based in Aberdare, has now expanded and has purchased the Choral Catalogue and choral stock of Swales Music Centre (Haverfordwest), which is now closed.

Active Music Services will be specialising in all Choral Music especially in Welsh and are in the process of creating a new digital catalogue for : -

Male Voice Choirs
Mixed Choirs
Ladies Choirs
Youth Choirs

For more information contact Dinah Pye at: -
www.activemusicservices.co.uk  
T: 01685 871631
E: info@activemusicservices.co.uk 

Mae pob aelod o Pedwar5 yn dod o lannau'r A55! Mae eu cerddoriaeth yn arallfydol ac am greu dylanwad mawr yn y sin rhyngwladol gyda chynlluniau ar y gweill yn barod i cydweithio a band ifanc o Sbaen o'r enw 'Las Putas'.

Byddent yn recordio ganol mis Awst 2006 gan obeithio rhyddhau sengl cyn diwedd y flwyddyn. Edrychwch allan am gigs gaea' 'ma!!

Several years ago I arranged Flanders Field for my local church choir, SATB with organ. It is an easy arrangement for the choir' abilities. It was performed and was very effective. Not been performed since. Some where I still have the score.

Percussionist and composer Dewi Ellis Jones is looking for pieces for solo percussion. For more details please contact dewi@dewiellisjones.com . More info on his website: www.dewiellisjones.com .

The outstanding young pianist Taina Niemela and clarinettist Graham Jones are currently available for joint recitals. For details contact Taina at tainatyy@hotmail.com .

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales has appointed Guto Puw in a new role as Resident Composer with immediate effect.
Guto Puw’s appointment with BBC National Orchestra of Wales is for a three year period running until the end of 2008. During this time he will write three works, two of which are being commissioned by BBC Radio 3 on behalf of the Orchestra.
Composers of Wales congratulate Guto most warmly on his appointment.

Steven Price writes: you may be interested in viewing my website, which is at; http://www.ampthetex.com. It offers lots of useful information available about audio engineering and recording, and there is also a short biography, a portfolio profile and lots more.
I hope you find this site a useful resource and that you will pass on the details to others who maybe interested too.
If you have a Music Related Website, Please feel free to add your link to my website at; http://pub35.bravenet.com/freelink/show.php?usernum=2953558330&cpv=1

THE NEIL WILLIAMS CLASSICAL COLLECTION Est. 1996
Proprietor: Neil Williams BA (Hons), DipMus, Classical Collection Ltd, 22 Avon, Hockley, Tamworth, Staffordshire B77 5QA
Tel/Fax: 01827 286086
Email: neil@classicalcollection.co.uk (no active website as yet)

The Neil Williams Classical Collection is a historical classical music picture archive, which is one of the most extensive private and independent collections of its kind in the world. It includes pictures/ephemera of composers, conductors, musicians and opera singers including: antique postcards, photos, prints, cigarette cards, stamps, first day covers, concert programmes, antique books, autographs, antique newspapers, periodicals and sheet music. Many of the items are very rare and even unique in some cases. Aside from the collecting of items in the UK, it has incorporated collecting from many countries including France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, Scandinavia, USA, Brazil, Japan, China and even Iceland! It also includes Neil Williams‚ own photography of many music related places and items. This includes museum and gallery based Œmusic in art‚ pictures, as well as lots of composer and musician cross-reference items such as birthplaces, deathplaces, graves, plaques, busts, statues, museums, etc. The service offered is hi-tech: all images are provided in convenient digital formats on CD-Rom. Searches are free, so you only pay for what you actually use. Also, as an ancillary service to providing music related pictures, Neil, who has studied music research at postgraduate level (achieving distinction), writes concert programme notes and CD liner inserts (example work is available on request).

Myself and three other students from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (flute, clarinet, guitar and piano and seeking other instrumentalists) have formed an ensemble dedicated to playing new music. We are currently looking for music to play and are keen to invite any composers to write something for us.

Kevin Whittingham writes: I am a tutor at Athabasca University, Alberta, Canada, and researching settings of poems from A. E. Housman's A Shropshire Lad. If you have composed settings of these poems, published or unpublished, I would be interested in purchasing copies, if that's possible. Perhaps you have colleagues who have settings too. My initial aim is to develop a comprehensive collection, especially from the last couple of decades.

Contact Kevin Whittingham at workshop@compusmart.ab.ca

A new CD will be coming out at the end of the year, title In Flanders Field, songs about war, including songs by Elaine Hugh-Jones (poems by Wilfred Owen), sung by Fiona Kimm, mezzo-soprano, with Andrew Ball, piano. More information nearer the time.

www.gregorywiest.com/call_for_scores.html

For my next song recital I am looking for modern song cycles for

tenor and piano or
tenor, piano and double bass, or
tenor and doublebass, or
tenor a cappella,

with English texts (preferrably from living poets), which were written after the year 2000 and run up to 15 minutes.
Please send scores to

Gregory Wiest
Tuerkenstr. 45
80799 Munich, Germany
or contact me at gwsings@gregorywiest.com.

bob schneider, guitar plus international