Category: Radio
4
Date: 13.07.2005
Printable version
Established and aspiring composers are being invited
to enter a carol competition launched this week by Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 and St
Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, London.
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A Β£1,000 prize is on offer from St. Martin's and Radio
4 will play the broadcast premiere of the winning carol on the Christmas
morning service, which this year comes from St Martin's. The
winner will also receive a recording of the piece.
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The competition is to compose a piece of choral music
to words written by the clergy of St Martin's. It is open to people
of all ages who have had some experience in composing for voices/choirs
- whether it be for school, church, amateur or professional chamber
choir, collegiate or cathedral voices.
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The music should be no longer than five minutes in length,
with or without organ accompaniment, and be of a level which would also
be suitable for widespread use in other parish churches.
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Nicholas Danks, Director of Music at St Martin's, says:
"The choice of choral music at St Martin's aims not only for high quality
of composition but also music which is accessible to our regular congregation
and to our many visitors.
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"The repertoire is broad and ranges from traditional
Anglican church music to contemporary Christian music and world music.
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"We have strong links with South Africa and frequently
broadcast services around the world. The carol music should ideally
reflect some of these qualities."
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All entries should be in a computer-set or handwritten
format and accompanied by a CV or biography of the composer, although
the overall winner will be judged on the merits of the composition alone.
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The closing date for entries is 17 October 2005 and
the winner(s) will be announced in November.
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The judging panel will comprise staff of St Martin's;
Christine Morgan, Executive Producer for Radio in Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Religion and Ethics;
and distinguished musicians from the field of church music.
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Commissioning Editor for Radio 4, Andrew Caspari, says:
"We are delighted to be launching this competition alongside St Martin-in-the-Fields,
continuing our 80-year partnership with the Church.
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"The piece will make a big impact on one of our
most important services of the year."
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For further details and an application pack, please
visit the website: www.smitf.org.
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Notes to Editors
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The text to which the music should be composed is printed
below and can be reproduced in your publication alongside the competition
details.
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The prize has come from donations given within St.
Martin-in-the-Fields for music.
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St Martin-in-the-Fields, renowned as one of London's
liveliest and best-loved churches, attracts over 700,000 visitors a
year and serves an extraordinarily diverse range of people.
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It also has a fine musical reputation and plays host
to some 350 live classical music concerts every year.
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St Martin-in-the-Fields is also the setting for one
of London's most significant building projects - a Β£34 million whole-site
regeneration scheme, which will restore this magnificent James Gibbs
church to its former glory.
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A stunning glass entrance pavilion and a central lightwell
will be prominent features in the new design.
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Telling God's story of love come among us,
Child in a manger stirs wisdom awake;
Shepherds and kings join with poets and prophets
Past, present, future will history make.
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Telling God's story in voices of outcasts,
As victims of poverty, old and young, die.
Scorned by the tyrants of violence and hunger
Wisdom of God shall injustice defy.
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Telling God's story through hues of creation,
Green of sea, black of skin, red of the earth,
White of stone shaped by the sculptor's caressing,
All shades of women who dare to risk birth.
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Telling God's story in protest and daring,
Making our choices that others may flourish.
Gath'ring at table and welcoming strangers,
Breaking and sharing, each other we nourish.
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Telling God's story through each generation
Child in a manger stirs wisdom awake;
Living that story, fresh visions inviting,
Past, present, future will history make.
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Text: Liz Griffiths and Rosemary Lain-Priestley,
St Martin-in-the-Fields
Copyright: St Martin-in-the-Fields
