Call for Scores – Borneo Ensemble Composer Series II

The Borneo Ensemble is delighted to announce its second International Composers Competition, in collaboration with Gema Bumi to explore the engaging blend of ambient soundscapes with contemporary music. The inclusion of traditional Borneo wind instruments, the 'turali' (nose flute) and bungkau (jew harp), aims to bridge Eastern and Western musical traditions. The collaborative seeks to explore the intricate connection between ambient soundscapes and contemporary musical expressions, promoting environmental awareness. Download PDF version.

Eligibility and Guidelines

A total of six (6) finalists shall be selected, from which three (3) composers will be adjudged and awarded.
All finalists shall receive recordings of their compositions alongside e-certificates of participation.
Applicants MUST be enrolled as a student (primary, secondary, college or university level) during the event tenure.
The competition welcomes composers of all nationalities.
Each composer is restricted to the submission of ONE (1) work.
Submitted score should be original, unperformed, or unpublished, and specifically written for this event.
Finalists are required to confer rights to Borneo Ensemble for future digital and printed publication of their selected works, inclusive of performance recordings and scores.
The competition comprises two stages. Initially, a preliminary round will assess submitted scores, selecting up to six (6) finalists. The subsequent stage, scheduled for May, entails a live performance showcasing the world premiere of the selected works. Herein, adjudication will occur, determining the recipients of three (3) designated prizes.
In recognition of the competition’s stringent standards and formal character, certain awards shall remain vacant should no compositions fulfill the prescribe criteria.

Submission Guideline

The score shall demonstrate a connection to one (1) of the selected five (5) field recording (refer to Appendix A for further details).
Submission of the score MUST be ANONYMOUS (utilize a unique symbol for identification purpose).
The duration of the score should range between three (3) to five (5) minutes.
Scores submitted (both full and parts) must be legible professionally prepared in PDF format only; scanned copies of handwritten works are permissible, provided they are perfectly legible.
Programme notes shall be written in English, elucidating the connection between the composition and the field recording — a minimum of 300 words is required.
Participant CV, with educational background and contact information (name and email address).
A brief biography, not exceeding 200 words, shall be provided in English.
A scanned copy of the participant's student identification is to be submitted in PDF format.
A high-resolution colour portrait photograph is required (minimum file size of 2MB, not exceeding 10MB).
All documents, inclusive of scores and part scores, MUST be submitted in PDF format, with the exception of the colour portrait photograph, which shall be submitted in JPEG format.
Kindly submit the aforementioned materials via the event's designated Google Form by the deadline of 15th March 2024.

Timeline

Submission Deadline: 15th March 2024
Finalist Announcement: 4th - 5th April 2024
Workshop: 23rd May 2024
Recording Session for All finalists: 24th May 2024
Concert Featuring World Premieres of Three Award Winners: 25th May 2024

* Attendance at the concert is not required for award winners, although their presence is highly encouraged. The workshop will be held online. Unfortunately, the Borneo Ensemble cannot provide financial support for travel expenses.

Prizes

First Prize: MYR 500 + recording + e-certificate + score publication + world premiere performance at concert
Second Prize: MYR 300 + recording + e-certificate + score publication + world premiere performance at concert
Third Prize: MYR 200 + recording + e-certificate + score publication + world premiere performance at concert
Three (3) Finalists: recording + e-certificate + score publication

* The juries’ decision regarding the prizes and the number of winners is final.

Jury Members

Mr. Yii Kah Hoe: Composer, Senior Lecturer of Music Program, Segi College
Dr. Thatchatham Silsupan, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Arts, Chiang Mai University
Dr. Lee Chie Tsang Isaiah: Composer, Senior Lecturer of Music Program, Academy of Arts and Creative Technology, Member of Borneo Ensemble
Dr. Tham Horng Kent: Pianist, Senior Lecturer of Music Program, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Member of Borneo Ensemble
Madam Lee See Ling @ Grace: Violinist, Lecturer of Music Program, Academy of Arts and Creative Technology, Member of Borneo Ensemble
Mr. Neo Nai Wen: Kalimba player, Kalimbiex Music Enterprise, Member of Borneo Ensemble