Young Composers CompetitionCongratulations to Zachary Wadsworth and Michael Eglin, winners of Pacific Chorale’s 2008 Young Composers Competition! Zachary and Michael were chosen from more than 70 composers hailing from 20 states across the nation. Zachary’s Fantasy on a Theme of William Billings and Michael’s Barter received their world premieres in March 2008, performed by the 160-voice Pacific Chorale under the direction of John Alexander. ![]() Pacific Chorale’s Young Composers Competition was created to encourage the proliferation of America’s choral music. In May 2007, the Chorale put out a nationwide call to composers under the age of 35 to submit work samples for consideration. 76 young composers submitted works, which were reviewed by a three-person panel and narrowed down to six semifinalists. The competition semifinalists were notified in October 2007, and asked to submit an original unperformed work utilizing text of American poetry or based upon a lesser-known American folk song. All six submissions were received this January and reviewed by John Alexander, Assistant Conductor Robert Istad, and acclaimed American composer Alice Parker. Submissions were reviewed anonymously at all stages in the process. In addition to the premiere performances and a cash prize of $1,500 each, Michael and Zach were guests at Pacific Chorale’s American Masterpieces Choral Festival on April 21-23, 2008 where they heard their works performed and had the opportunity to meet and work with Festival Composers-in-Residence Alice Parker, Morten Lauridsen and Eric Whitacre. |