The Fredericksburg Community Orchestras, under the direction of Theresa Britt and with the support of the Board of Directors, is pleased to announce the Second Annual Frank Van der Stucken Composition Award. This project recognizes young composers who write string orchestra music that is exciting, interesting, and approachable by non-professional and student players. The contest is open to all composers under age 30 or any student currently enrolled in a university degree program, regardless of age. There is a $10 application fee.
To be considered, please submit a printed score that you feel best represents your compositional voice. Works scored for string orchestra or string quartet will be considered. (Full orchestra pieces will not be accepted.) MP3’s of MIDI realizations or live performances of the submitted works are also helpful but not required.
Members of the Fredericksburg Community Orchestras will perform the winning piece at the 2015 Van Der Stucken Festival on March 21, 2015. The winner will receive a $250 cash prize and recognition at the Festival.
To apply, please submit the scores and parts in PDF form and a brief e-mail describing your previous composition experiences and accomplishments to info@fredericksburgorchestra.com. Application fee ($10) may be submitted via PayPal to info@fredericksburgorchestra.com or mailed by deadline to:
FREDERICKSBURG COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA
PO BOX 1132
FREDERICKSBURG, TX 78624
All materials and fee must be submitted by February 28, 2015. Finalists will be notified via email before the festival, and final results will be posted on the webpage. Be sure to include complete contact information with entry.
History of Van der Stucken
Frank Van der Stucken was born October 15, 1858 in the German community of Fredericksburg, Texas to a Flemish father and German mother. Because of the American Civil War, the family returned to Europe, settling in Antwerp Belgium in 1865. Frank Van der Stucken studied music at the Antwerp Conservatory from 1875 to 1879 and composition in Leipzig from 1879 to 1881. He became a kapellmeister in Breslau Germany in 1882. In 1884, Frank returned to the United States where he became the leader of the Arion men’s choir in New York City. From 1906 to 1912, he conducted the May Festival in Cincinnati, a choral festival that has continued to the present day. He became the founder and first director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and what is now the University of Cincinnati Music School. His compositions include multiple sets of songs and several pieces for orchestra. His greatest achievements include his efforts at leadership and conducting in Cincinnati, Ohio. Van der Stucken died August 16, 1929 in Hamberg German at the age of 70.
Send questions via e-mail to: info@fredericksburgorchestra.com
