Westminster College is currently accepting applications for the inaugural Hear & Now composition commission for emerging self-identified BIPOC composers ages 18-30. The winning composer will be awarded a $3,000 commissioning fee to write a new work for up to 4 performers:

Piano
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet
Violin/Viola
Percussion (specific percussion instruments will be determined when the award is given, but can include 5-octave marimba, vibraphone, bells, chimes, 4 timpani, drum set, and various other skin, metal, and wooden instruments)
The selected Hear & Now composition will be premiered on April 10, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah during the Westminster Concert Series and will be performed by faculty from Westminster College, including Red Desert Ensemble.

The composition can be for any subset of the ensemble including solos, can include electronics, and can include non-traditional approaches to performing.

This award also includes travel and lodging for the composer to attend the concert, present a talk about their artistic practice, and work with students at Westminster College.