University News Last updated 05 November 2019
Well-respected as a composer around the world and former Head of Composition at the Conservatoire (1990-2005), Andrew Downes' music has been performed throughout the world, in many leading concert halls and cathedrals, and has been broadcast at home and abroad.
The Andrew Downes Performance Prize requires entrants to perform a programme of Andrew Downes’ music along, with that of other British composers born after 1949, as they compete to win an impressive cash prize and recital opportunity.
The competition recital will take place on Wednesday 4 March 2020, at 7pm in the Recital Hall, and will take place as part of the composer's 70th birthday year.
Competition rules:
- Date of competition: 4 March 2020 from 19:00 – 22:00 in the Recital Hall
- Closing date for entry: 5 February 2020
- Open to all vocal, instrumental and conducting undergraduates (except first years) and postgraduates. Open to soloists and ensembles.
- In exceptional circumstances, groups including a recent graduate(s) may be permitted to enter. It is the ensemble's responsibility to ensure that permission is sought from the competition organiser before their application is accepted
- Students should submit programmes of 40 minutes to include at least 12 minutes of music by Andrew Downes; the rest of the programme should be of music by British composers born after 1949
- Where there is no suitable work by Andrew Downes (e.g. there are no large scale works for trombone, bassoon or trumpet), it is acceptable to transcribe other works by him
- The Organiser will select a programme of around 30 minutes that will include the Downes’ composition
- A preliminary round is held if necessary
- An opportunity is sought for the winner to perform all or part of the programme in one of the Conservatoire’s concert series
How to enter:
This competition is open to all vocal, instrumental and conducting undergraduates (except first years) and postgraduates. Open to soloists and ensembles. In order to enter the competition, follow the instructions found here
Find out more about Andrew Downes here.