THE AUSTRALIAN HAYDN ENSEMBLE’S INAUGURAL EMERGING COMPOSERS PROGRAM
The AHE Illuminated NOW! program gives Australian emerging composers the chance to work alongside the specialist players of the Australian Haydn Ensemble and learn more about how to write for period instruments in a modern context.
Applications now open
Closing date: 18 March 2025
Expand your compositional techniques to tailor to the distinctive sound world and scope of period instruments, enjoy a hands-on collaborative learning experience with the musicians of the AHE and potentially have your work performed.
Go to www.australianhaydn.com.au/ illuminatated-now-2025 for more information and the application form!
This annual program brings together talented emerging composers from across Australia to engage in a hands-on, collaborative learning experience with the professional musicians of the AHE. Through workshops and mentorship, participants will explore an expansion of their compositional techniques to tailor to the distinctive sound world and scope of period instruments, creating compositions that resonate with historical practice while embracing modern innovation.
P ROGRAM OVERVIEW
Program Overview:
• 31January - 18 March 2025
Call out for submissions of instrumental works and participation
• Up to 5 composers will be selected to participate in the program in 2025.
• Participating composers will receive a $1,000 contribution towards the commission or development of a/the new work.
• April 2025:
A meet and greet session will be held for composers (online option available) to learn about period instruments.
• May 2025 Workshop 1:
• Pieces will be workshopped in a vibrant, creative environment, allowing composers to refine their compositions based on the unique characteristics of period instruments.
• The workshop will focus on practical strategies for writing for the nuances of baroque and classical period instruments, such as fortepiano/ harpsichord, baroque and classical period string instruments using historical (gut) strings, period wind instruments including traverso (wooden flute), oboes, bassoon and natural horn and other period-specific instruments.
• The intricacies of performance practice will also be explored, particularly 18th-century practices that can be drawn upon by composers today, including partimenti techniques.
• Development Period:
• After the May workshop, composers will be given time to revise and further develop their works based on feedback from AHE’s musicians. This stage encourages deep reflection and creative growth as composers continue to refine their pieces with a focus on historical authenticity, while also embracing their unique voice and modern sensibilities.
• September 2025 Workshop 2:
• Composers will return for a second workshop session where their completed works will be reviewed and further developed. This session will provide an opportunity for composers to engage in detailed discussions with AHE musicians, refining their works to their fullest potential before being considered for performance.
• Opportunities for individual feedback with established composers and AHE musicians will be available during the project.
• October 2025 Performance of Selected Work(s):
• Selected works from the program will be rehearsed and performed as part of the AHE Alchemy emerging artist program in both Sydney and regional NSW.
W HO CAN APPLY
(ELIGIBILITY)
• Composers from across Australia are encouraged to apply for this exciting opportunity.
• Female identifying and First Nations composers are strongly encouraged to apply, as well as those from regional/remote Australia.
• All types of music backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Composition students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Australian composers residing overseas are also welcome to apply.
• Applicants should have advanced compositional skills.
• Prior experience of writing for period instruments is not required.
