American Composers Forum (ACF), in partnership with The Juilliard School’s Preparatory Division and the New York Philharmonic, is pleased to launch “Composing Inclusion,” a co-commission that brings together multiple generations, musical levels, perspectives, and community members in the creation and performance of new music. With generous funding from the Sphinx Venture Fund, nine (9) music creators who identify as Black and/or Latinx will be commissioned to create “flexible” or adaptable scores for different musical levels. The nine commissioned works will be developed in collaboration with Juilliard students and Philharmonic artists over the course of several months; all will receive New York side-by-side premieres. Composers are invited to apply for both/either orchestra or chamber commissions. The final nine commissions will include five works for orchestra and four for chamber ensembles (woodwind chamber ensemble, brass chamber ensemble, and string chamber ensemble).

Commission Details:

Music creators selected for orchestral commissions will receive $10,000 total for the commission, workshops/promotion events, rehearsal, and performance attendance. Music creators selected for a chamber ensemble commission will receive $5,000 total for the commission, workshops/promotion events, rehearsal and performance attendance.

Each music creator must commit to participating in 4 workshops/promotion events with at least 2 in person, select rehearsals of the commissioned work, and the premiere performance.

Commissioning collaborators are seeking commissioned works to be between 7 – 8 minutes in duration.

Selected artists will be expected to meet as a cohort and individually with composer and artistic advisor Trevor Weston plus administration from the collaborating partners.

Due to access to minors in this program, each selected artist must agree to a background check.

Artists who reside outside of the NY/NJ/CT area will receive $1500 for travel and lodging expenses for the above requirement.

Funds for a copyist and/or score/part printing will be provided.

Archival recordings will be provided by the New York Philharmonic or The Juilliard School (whoever is hosting the performance).

ACF will work with composer, publishers, or additional third parties to publish and promote the final work.