The third annual national competition for 12-18 year-olds, Notes from Scotland, invites applications from the country’s budding composers.
As part of the National Trust’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s (RSNO) Notes From Scotland invites young composers to write a two-minute work for an instrumental trio, quartet or quintet.
The pieces will be inspired by a particular historical site. Options include: Culzean Castle, Ayrshire; Glencoe, Highlands; Hill House, Argyll and Bute; Newhailes, Edinburgh and House of Dun, Angus.
The closing date for entries is in May 2017. Five will be selected to be performed by an RSNO ensemble at the Orchestra’s New Auditorium in Glasgow. Last year, James Nicolson’s work White Oasis, inspired by the architecture of the recently-restored Pier Arts Centre, was chosen as the winning entry.
Composer Jennifer Martin will hold free workshops for entrants, including tours of the National Trust sites in question. Entrants will then be given an introductory guide to composing.
But entrants do not have the attend the workshops, since the National Trust website includes video resources featuring introductions to each of the Trust properties across Scotland along with advice from some of the country’s greatest living composers.
Composer Jennifer Martin said : ”I’ve been delighted to have been part of the RSNO’s Notes From Scotland initiative from the beginning. As a judge in the first two competitions, I’m now looking forward to helping inspire another generation of young composers through this workshop series.”
”What better inspiration for a new piece of music than the properties and landscapes managed by the National Trust for Scotland.”
Rhiannon Naismith, Property Manager (Newhailes) for the National Trust for Scotland: “Like many of the National Trust for Scotland’s places, Newhailes was a focus of inspiration and creative engagement over the years. We hope that the next generation of composers find their creativity is unlocked by the heritage in our care and can’t wait to hear their compositions.”
For more information visit the competition website, www.notesfromscotland.co.uk or contact the RSNO’s Learning and Engagement team on 0141 225 3557 or email engage@rsno.org.uk
