CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

for the

9th International Composition Seminar

of the International Ensemble Modern Academy (IEMA)
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Hosted by the Ensemble Modern and the composer and conductor Enno Poppe, the International
Composition Seminar takes place for the ninth time in 2019/20 and is once again part of the festival
“cresc… – Biennale für Moderne Musik Frankfurt Rhein Main“.

In Europe, the seminar is unique in its structure, which involves several working phases; since its
founding in 2004, this seminar has launched many international careers in composition.

In a first conceptual working meeting with the composer and conductor Enno Poppe and members of
Ensemble Modern, the participants’ initial compositional ideas, sound concepts and concrete technical
and artistic issues will be discussed. Sketches of scores are not expected at this point.

About four months later, during reading sessions with Ensemble Modern, clearly sketched-out
approaches will be rehearsed. Intensive working processes will explicitly offer the opportunity to
engage in direct dialogue with the conductor and musicians, gaining insights for the finalization of the
new work.

After a final rehearsal phase that also leaves room for exchange and discussion, the new works are
premiered.

The 9th International Composition Seminar and its final concert are integrated into the fifth edition of
the festival cresc… – Biennale für Moderne Musik, which takes place from February 28 to March 7,
2020 in Frankfurt and the Rhine-Main area. Thanks to its the integration into an festival and support
via the media cooperation with Hessischer Rundfunk (Hessian Radio), the International Composition
Seminar enjoys special media attention, giving the final concert increased recognition. cresc… 2020 is
produced by Ensemble Modern and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra together with further
partners.

Composers interested in this project are invited to participate in this project. The International
Composition Seminar champions diversity and welcomes applications from qualified composers,
regardless of gender, background or personal circumstances.

The thematic focus of the seminar is also the festival’s theme, ›Human_machine‹, examining the
relationship between humankind and technology, which is about to undergo drastic change due to the
acceleration of technological development. Social networks now know their users better than they do
themselves, offering undreamed-of possibilities of manipulation through the use of bots and fake
news. The internet of things is encompassing an increasing number of life’s areas, going from a tool to
part of our identity. At the same time, recent innovations in artificial intelligence and biotechnology
have the long-term potential of changing the foundation of our image of humanity.

Project Phases:
(mandatory attendance in all phases, no exceptions)

Phase 1 | June 11, 2019

First, conceptual working meeting to discuss concrete artistic and technical issues. Draft scores are not
expected at this point.

Phase 2 | November 30 & December 1, 2019

Reading sessions with Ensemble Modern, led by Enno Poppe. Completion of score and parts by January
10, 2020.
Phase 3 | ca. February 24 – March 1, 2020 in Frankfurt
Final rehearsal phase

Final Concert | March 1, 2020 (date tbc)

Part of ›cresc… – Biennale für Moderne Musik Frankfurt Rhein Main‹. The concert will be recorded and
broadcast by the radio station hr2-kultur.

Age limit: The seminar is open to composers born in 1984 or after.

Application deadline: March 17, 2019

Selection / Notification of results:

Applicants will be notified in early or mid-April 2019. Following the nomination of participants and the
assignment of compositions for ensemble, all participants will be informed about the exact
instrumentation and all other relevant conditions.

Costs covered by IEMA: Travel (within Europe or pro-rated refund for intercontinental travels / airfare
economy class or train ticket 2nd class) and accommodation in Frankfurt.

Application Materials – to be submitted digitally only:

• Extensive artist portrait, including a CV (in table form) and a complete list of works
• Short description / sketch of your compositional idea
• Score(s) of 1-2 work(s) for ensemble (PDF file) plus recording (if available) of this work / these
works, to be submitted only as a link to web-based streaming platforms, such as SoundCloud,
Vimeo, YouTube or others. Web transfer services are not accepted.

Please send your materials to → iks@ensemble-modern.com

Presenter: Contact:

International Ensemble Modern Academy Ensemble Modern

Christiane Engelbrecht Kathrin Schulze
engelbrecht@ensemble-modern.com iks@ensemble-modern.com
www.internationale-em-akademie.de www.ensemble-modern.com
www.cresc-biennale.de

partner as part of cresc… is supported by