AWE Emerging Composer Mentorship
Selected through a nationwide application process each selected AWE Emerging Composer receives mentoring over the five-month period prior to the October festival, supported to write a string chamber work of approximately 5 minutes in length to be premiered within the festival and performed within multiple school performances in the festival region.
The Emerging Composer takes up residence at the AWE Festival, attending performances, working with the musicians in rehearsal of their composition (supported by the Composer Mentor) and introducing their work within the performances.
With New Zealand music woven into the very seams of the AWE Festival, each year a young NZ composer is selected to receive personalised mentoring to write a new work for premiere within the festival.
“Attending AWE 2023 has been - and will always remain - one of the most inspiring and exhilarating experiences of my music career. I feel so privileged to have spent time learning from, rehearsing with, and making memories alongside the Festival Artists, Emerging Artists, Composer-In-Residence and Mentoring Composer in one of the most beautiful parts of Aotearoa (and, indeed, the world). I sincerely hope AWE continues to flourish each year, and I wholeheartedly encourage any young artist or composer to apply for this incredible experience.”
– Georgina Palmer, AWE 2023 Emerging Composer.
"AWE was a life-changing experience for me, due to the amount of support, encouragement, friendship, and freely given knowledge that all at the festival gave. It feels like a second family, one where we can express ourselves through art - something unique and special to this festival.
Being mentored and conversing with not one, but two of our greatest New Zealand composers was something quite extraordinary and I will carry these experiences and friendships with me for life."
- Eva Bedggood, AWE 2022 Emerging Composer, pictured above introducing the premiere performance of her new work Timatanga for string quartet, performed by 2023 Emerging Artists Enshean Lin, Tal Amore and Jack Moyer, with Festival Artist Marike Kruup.
Thank you to SOUNZ Centre for NZ Music for their competition administration support.
Applications now open
AWE Emerging Composer Competition and Mentorship
Application deadline 1 May 2024
We are now seeking a young New Zealand composer to be our 2024 AWE Emerging Composer.
Open to composers 23 years or younger, the 2024 AWE Emerging Composer will receive mentoring from composer Eve de Castro-Robinson to write a new string chamber work for premiere within the 2024 AWE Festival, and will take up residence at the festival from 8-18 October 2024.
Selected through a nationwide application process in May 2024, the successful applicant will receive mentoring from AWE Festival 2024 Composer in Residence and Mentoring Composer Eve de Castro-Robinson, over the five-month period prior to the October 2024 festival, supported to write a string chamber work of approximately 5 minutes in length. The work will be premiered within the 2024 AWE Festival and performed within multiple school performances within the festival region.
During the residency, the AWE Emerging Composer will attend performances, work with musicians in the rehearsals of their composition (supported by the Composer in Residence) and introduce their work in performances. They will also participate within AWE Composition Workshops for local students.
All travel and accommodation costs for the festival attendance in Queenstown and Wānaka will be covered by the AWE Festival. Evening meals will be provided, in addition to a daily per diem for general expenses.
Competition Selection Process:
Applicants must be 23 years or younger as of 1 October 2024, be a NZ citizen or permanent resident, and currently reside in NZ.
Applicants are to provide:
1 or 2 pieces they have written, with at least one composition involving a string instrument to a significant extent (violin, viola or cello).
A paragraph about their musical interests and experience.
A paragraph about why they would like to be selected.
A short outline of their ideas and plans for their string chamber music work, should they be selected. Applicants should consider suitability of new work for performances in schools.
APPLICATION FORMAT: The portfolio score(s) must be provided in PDF format and all three written components must be collated in one PDF document.
OPTIONAL: Audio (if available) of portfolio piece(s) must be a link to a streaming service such as Soundcloud or YouTube. If this is not possible, please use Dropbox or Google Drive to transfer MP3 files. Do not email MP3 files. MIDI realisations are acceptable and must be in MP3 format.
Applications are to be emailed to info@sounz.org.nz by 5pm on 1 May 2024
The selection panel will consist of AWE Composer Mentor Eve de Castro-Robinson, AWE Artistic Director Benjamin Baker and AWE Festival Director Justine Cormack
A shortlist of candidates will be interviewed by video conference.
2024 Emerging Composer to be announced 15 May 2024
Mentoring Period: 15 May - 18 October 2024
Emerging Composer new work to be submitted by 1 September 2024
Attendance at the 2024 AWE Festival is required between 8 - 18 October 2023
Emerging Composer Georgina Palmer introduces the premiere performance of Maramataka for violin, cello and horn during AWE Festival 2023 - performed by Emerging Musicians Lorna Zhang and Damon Herlihy-O’Brien, with Festival Artist Ben Goldsheider.