Composer in Residence

Introducing the 2012 NZSO National Youth Orchestra Composer-in-Residence

The NZSO National Youth Orchestra Composer-in-Residence is Alex Taylor. Alex will compose an original piece which will be premiered during the NZSO National Youth Orchestra residency in September 2012. We cannot wait to hear it!

ALEX TAYLOR

Alex Taylor is an emerging young composer with a distinctive compositional voice and already a strong track record of success. His music has been performed by numerous artists, including the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, the Auckland Youth Orchestra, the Karlheinz Company, SMP Ensemble, the Intrepid Music Project, Ben Hoadley and Anna McGregor. He has just completed a Masters in Composition under the supervision of Dr Eve de Castro-Robinson and Associate Professor John Elmsly at Auckland University.

Alex’s works have been featured in concerts in New Zealand, Australia, France, Indonesia, Slovenia, Italy and Germany. [f]at[on]ality for solo piano was performed at the 2010 Yogyakarta Contemporary Music Festival in Indonesia. A residency with the Auckland Youth Orchestra in 2011 resulted in eight European performances of between for orchestra, a tribute to the music of the late New Zealand maverick composer Anthony Watson. The orchestra’s European tour culminated in a performance at the Berlin Konzerthaus as part of the prestigious Young Euro Classic Festival. between was written with funding from the SOUNZ Community Commission.

In 2011 Alex was awarded the NZSO-Todd Young Composer Award, as well as the Orchestra’s Choice Award, for his orchestral work [inner], a piece he plans to develop into an extended viola concerto. He has won numerous prizes and scholarships through Auckland University, including winning the 2009 Lilburn Trust Competition. Alex was recently selected as the 2012 National Youth Orchestra Composer-in-Residence. Current projects include a large orchestral work for the National Youth Orchestra, as well as commissions for contemporary music ensemble 175 East and the NZ Trio.

Could you be the next NZSO National Youth Orchestra Composer-in-Residence?

The NZSO are now accepting applications for the 2013 NZSO National Youth Orchestra Composer-in-Residence position.

The commission for the Composer-in-Residence will be to write a 10 minute piece for the opening of the 2013 National Youth Orchestra programme.

To apply you need to submit a portfolio of previous works, with recording(s) if you have them, a cover letter including your contact details and DOB, and a short proposal for what you might do with the commission (text or notation).

You must be a New Zealand resident and under 30 year of age.

Applications to be received by 30 June 2012

Please send applications to:
NZSO National Youth Orchestra
PO Box 6640
Marion Square
Wellington 6141