We invite composers, both young and established, from the Western Balkan region, as well as other Balkan countries to submit their works to be included in the repertoire of our newly formed project “In Search of Our Musical Roots”. Composers must be aged 18 or over at the time of application.
We are looking to engage for our project the composers who would respond to our “In Search of Our Musical Roots” theme by finding inspiration in the music folklore of their homelands, and beyond – of the entire Balkan region. We expect authentic pieces that came out of that inspiration, the tradition, folk customs, poetry, music – cultural heritage in general. In particular, we do not seek the adaptations of traditional music, but original creations focused on Balkans and its music tradition
We welcome applications from composers of all backgrounds. In particular, we would like to encourage applications from female composers, as they are generally not represented sufficiently in the jazz and contemporary music productions.
We also encourage and welcome all the young talented and interested authors from the Western Balkan region and beyond to apply with their works for the project “In Search of Our Musical Roots”.
We ask composers to take following line-up into account when composing for the project In Search of Our Musical Roots:
- 1 violin
- 1 accordion
- 1 alto saxophone
- 1 tenor saxophone
- 1 baritone saxophone
- 2 trumpets
- 1 trombone
- 1 piano
- 1 bass
- 1 drums
- 1 percussion
- 1 female vocal
It is desirable, but not mandatory:
-for saxophonists (alto, tenor and baritone) to play the clarinet,
-for the bassist to play double bass,
-for the drummer to play percussion.
How to apply:
Please complete the application form.
Make sure to enclose with the application form one score of your earlier compositions written for a similar ensemble in PDF format and an audio recording of the same (studio, concert or electronic).
Your piece should have been written within the last four years, not earlier.
The deadline for applications is the 30th of June 2022.
For any additional questions related to the application process, please contact:
What comes next:
Based on works submitted we will select composers by 15 July 2022, and invite them to create new pieces for the ensemble format as suggested above.
Applications will be reviewed by the experts from the partner institutions, mentors and conductors: Antonio Kitanovski, composer (professor at the Music Academy – Goce Delčev University, Štip, North Macedonia), Vladimir Nikolov, composer (professor at the Faculty of Music, University of Arts, Belgrade), as well as by David Mastikosa, composer (senior teaching assistant at the Academy of Arts of the University of Banja Luka).
Originality, inventiveness and organic connection of the given topic with the author’s expression will be especially valued.
Selected composers should submit one new composition by 1st October 2022. We advise the approximate composition length to be between 5 to 8 minutes.
Compositions which will be included in the repertoire of the project will be performed at the public concerts in Podgorica, Tirana and Banja Luka, during November 2022.
The exact dates of final concert tour will be announced later on the website of Jazz Art and partner organizations. This will be preceded by six days of rehearsals of the ensemble under the guidance of mentors, and in cooperation with composers, who should attend the rehearsals and actively help the realization of the project through direct cooperation with mentors and musicians.