The Gilgamesh Composition Competition is dedicated to uncovering and nurturing new voices in music composition. The Gilgamesh Ensemble returns annually with a unique instrumental configuration, challenging composers to push creative boundaries.
The competition attracts global talent, offering a prestigious platform for emerging artists to showcase their work internationally. Inspired by the ancient epic of Gilgamesh, the competition encourages composers to explore innovative musical landscapes rooted in profound historical perspectives on humanity and the world. This unique blend of tradition and innovation positions the Gilgamesh Competition as a powerful force in the contemporary music scene, fostering creativity and bridging the gap between past and present.
About Competition
We are delighted to share news about the 2024-2025 Gilgamesh Composition Competition, dedicated to electronic and electroacoustic music, taking place in Los Angeles. The competition aims to discover fresh and diverse musical voices globally, inspired by the Epic of Gilgamesh. Submissions are welcome for harp, trombone with fixed media (2 channels) or live electronic, and electroacoustic pieces (fixed media) for 2 channels. Details about the Gilgamesh trio and setup specifications can be found below. Successful composers will be awarded their work recorded by the Gilgamesh Trio.
Guidelines
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Eligibility: Composers of all ages, nationalities, and professional backgrounds can participate in the competition.
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Work History: Submissions should not have been performed or awarded before.
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Instrumentation: Scores can be written for harp, trombone, and live electronics or fixed media (2 channels), or electroacoustic pieces (fixed media) for 2 channels. Various combinations, including solo harp, solo trombone, and duets for harp and trombone, are accepted.
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Style Diversity: Scores of different styles and aesthetic preferences are encouraged, and inquiries about instrumentation can be directed to the organizers.
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Duration: Works should not exceed 5 minutes; multi-movement works and excerpts from larger pieces are NOT accepted.
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Number of Submissions: Each composer is allowed to submit one piece.
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Anonymous Submission: The composer’s name and any identifying details must not be visible on the score or in any submitted materials.
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Judges: Esteemed judges for this year include Panayiotis Kokoras (Greece/USA), Jennifer Jolley (USA), and Joachim Heintz (Germany). Judges from the previous competition were Oscar Bettison, Saad Haddad, and Nina Shekhar.
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Entry Fee: No entry fee.
Theme
The Epic of Gilgamesh, considered the earliest surviving work of significant literature, is an ancient Mesopotamian epic with enduring themes. Originating from the Third Dynasty of Ur (c. 2100 BC), it comprises five Sumerian poems about Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk. Gilgamesh, an influential hero of the ancient world, has left a lasting impact on works like Homer’s Iliad and The Odyssey. Described as an “adventurous, brave, but tragic figure symbolizing man’s vain but endless drive for fame, glory, and immortality,” Gilgamesh serves as inspiration for the competition’s search for chamber music connected to the story, elements, or themes of Gilgamesh and Assyrian culture.
Submission Requirements
Score Submission:
Please provide an anonymous PDF format for the score, ensuring all identifying information is removed.
While not mandatory, an audio file in mp3 format is preferred, featuring either a live recording or MIDI mockup.
Fixed Media Specifications:
Fixed media should be submitted in 2-channel format, either WAV or AIF, with a Sample Rate of 44100 and Bit-depth Resolution of 16 bits.
Live Electronic Parts:
For live electronic components, use Csound, SuperCollider, or Max 8. Remove any identifying information from the electronic parts.
Please note that the composer must be physically present in Los Angeles to perform and record the live electronic part. If they cannot participate in the recording session, their piece will be removed from the session and replaced with another piece.
Additional Documents:
Submit a PDF of your current biography (maximum 250 words).
Include a program note in PDF format (limited to 100 words).
Attach at least one landscape-format photo.
Deadline: 1 February 2025
Submission Requirements for the Fixed Media (2-channels)
Audio Submission:
Fixed media files must be submitted in 2-channel format, either WAV or AIF, with a Sample Rate of 44100 and a Bit-depth Resolution of 16 bits.
Additional Materials:
Submit a PDF document containing your current biography (limited to 250 words).
Provide a PDF program note (limited to 100 words).
Include at least one landscape-format photo.
Deadline: 1 February 2025
Submit your Music: https://gilgamesh.foundation/competitoin-2025
Important Dates
Competition Opens: August 2024
Scores Due: February 1, 2025
Announcement of Performance Winners: May 1,2025
Performance & Album Release: December 2025