CoLABoratory: Playing it UNsafe was conceived to address the pressures and limitations often encountered by composers writing new works for orchestra, a situation that tends to inhibit risk-taking and encourages a "play it safe" approach. Rather than a brief rehearsal set, CoLABoratory allows composers to develop their work in an extended, collaborative environment - with ACOs musicians, conductor, artistic staff, and colleague composers - designed to encourage and support experimentation and risk-taking. Feedback sessions allow composers to try new techniques and ideas, then to go back to revise and extend the piece further, for the next workshop session with the orchestra. ACOs artistic staff members Robert Beaser and Derek Bermel, as well as Morton Subotnick, serve as mentor-composers. Five workshop/readings will take place from October 2012 - March 2013, in addition to a full rehearsal series leading up to the culminating performance in April 2013.

CoLABoratory: Playing it UNsafe features Orchestra Underground, ACOs groundbreaking small orchestra ensemble that seeks to redefine orchestra music by embracing a wide gamut of musical styles, unusual instrumentations and spatial orientations of musicians, technological innovations, and multimedia/multidisciplinary collaborations. Since its launch in 2004, Orchestra Underground has commissioned and premiered 70 cutting-edge new works.

The core Orchestra Underground instrumentation for CoLABoratory: Playing it UNsafe is: single winds and brass instruments (standard orchestra doublings are permitted); harp, keyboard, 2 percussion plus timpani (3 players); and strings (6.5.4.3.2). Proposals that use alternative instruments, soloist, electronics, digital technology, video or multidisciplinary elements are encouraged. Smaller instrumentations are permissible; however, proposed works should reflect the orchestral nature of the ensemble with multiple strings on a part. Proposed works may be up to 15 minutes in duration (single movements or sections of a larger work-in-progress are acceptable).

Up to six composers will be selected for participation in CoLABoratory: Playing it UNsafe. Composers at any stage of their career may apply. Composers selected to participate will receive an honorarium of $2,000 to support the creation of the work and to assist in covering the cost of the preparation of instrumental parts. In addition, travel and accommodation expenses will be provided as needed.  

Submission Guidelines

Proposals must be received by 5pm on April 16, 2012.

Composers may propose a musical work or project for CoLABoratory: Playing it UNsafe by submitting the following:

1.  a description (two pages, 900 words maximum) of the work or work-in-progress being proposed, including:

     - a statement addressing how the work advances the composers output and aesthetics, and the goals of the CoLABoratory: Playing it UNsafe program;

     - a description of any unusual instrumentation, electronics/multimedia, or other production elements employed in the proposed work, if any, and the rationale for their use.

     - how the composer intends to utilize the workshop process to develop the piece.

2.  a completed submission form, available online here;

3.  one bound copy of a recent and representative musical score, clearly labeled with the composers name and title of the work on the cover page (a recording may also be submitted, but is not required);

4.  a current resume for the composer including educational background, major teachers, awards, professional affiliations; *

5.  a list of works, including title, year composed, instrumentation, duration, and performance history; *

6.  for composers who have not had a work performed by a professional orchestra, a letter of recommendation from an established composer or other music professional, attesting to the applicants accomplishments and potential as an orchestral composer (the recommendation may be sent under separate cover); * ⁺

7.  a self-addressed stamped envelope suitable for the return of materials (if you wish your material be returned to you). All supporting materials remain the property of American Composers Orchestra. ACO is not responsible for lost materials.

* not required for composers whose work has previously been performed by ACO
⁺ not required for composers who have been performed by a professional orchestra

Proposals must be received (not postmarked) by 5pm on April 16, 2012. Participants will be selected by May 30, 2012.

The address to use for inquiries and for sending a proposal is:
American Composers Orchestra
ATTN: CoLABoratory: Playing it UNsafe
240 West 35th Street, Suite 405
New York, NY 10001-2506
web: www.americancomposers.org/coLABoratory
email: CoLABoratory@americancomposers.org
tel: 212-977-8495 ext. 202

ACOs CoLABoratory: Playing It UNsafe is made possible with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and by the Fromm Music Foundation.