Applications Open for San Francisco Symphony and Conservatory's Emerging Black Composers Project

Launched in 2020, this year's competition seeks to spotlight the music of inventive Black musicians under the age of 35

In partnership with the San Francisco Symphony and SFCM President's Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) announced that applications have opened for the second annual Emerging Black Composers Project (EBCP).

Committed to promoting rising Black American composers and their music, the San Francisco Symphony, led by Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, will give the world premiere of the new work commissioned by the EBCP's winner.

In addition to the world premiere, the winner will receive a $15,000 award, as well as mentorship from Salonen, SFCM Music Director Edwin Outwater, and San Francisco Symphony Resident Conductor of Engagement Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser.

The 2022 competition will be dedicated to Michael Morgan, conductor and former Oakland Symphony Music Director, who passed away earlier this year.

“It’s an honor to join this project, which is needed and appropriate in this time in history,” said Bartholomew-Poyser. “We welcome a wide array of emerging voices, techniques, and aesthetics and encourage innovators to apply.”

Black American composers (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) age 35 or under who have completed a degree program in composition or music performance, or have equivalent experience, are encouraged to apply.

Applicants are required to submit a resume along with three scores and recordings of past or current compositions reflective of their work by 11:59pm PT on February 14, 2022.

For more information, visit here.