SJO Commissioning Competition
***ON HOLD for 2022 ONLY – Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the cancellation of the last two years of SJO concerts, we are suspending our Commissioning Prize Competition for this year only to catch up on premiering previous Commissioning Prize winners.***
Each year, we present a commissioning competition for individuals who compose symphonic jazz.
Our Music Advisory Board determines the winner, who is then commissioned to write a new orchestral score. This newly commissioned work is premiered by the 68-piece Symphonic Jazz Orchestra at its free annual concert and is entered into the organization’s catalog of symphonic jazz commissions.
Guidelines
PURPOSE: To commission a new orchestral score for the SJO, blending the worlds of jazz & classical music – and beyond.
The newly commissioned work will be premiered by the SJO and entered into the SJO’s catalog of symphonic jazz commissions.
Created in 2002, the 68-member SJO is dedicated to blending the worlds of jazz and classical music through its commissioning, performing and educational programs. Led by Music Director, Mitch Glickman, the ensemble has performed throughout Southern California with such leading guest artists as Dave Grusin, Christian McBride, Raul Midon, Lee Ritenour, Ernie Watts, The Yellowjackets, Miguel Zenon, and our former Co-Music Director George Duke.
The composer agrees to assign the rental administration of commissioned work (the “Composition”) to Symphonic Jazz Orchestra Music (the “Administrator”), the publishing designee of the SJO. Administrator will print all orchestra parts and scores. The composer will retain the copyright of the commissioned work.
ELIGIBILITY:
No age or geographic restrictions.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: On hold for 2022. Check back for 2023 deadline
MATERIAL TO BE SUBMITTED:
- Completed application form: Symphonic Jazz Orchestra Commissioning Prize Entry Form
- One entry per composer.
- Email the following to info@SJOmusic.org:
- Representative score of ONE original instrumental work written since 2012. Ideally, this work is scored for full orchestra, chamber orchestra, or large ensemble that integrates elements of jazz or other related genres. Please include your name and the name of the piece. Please attach in PDF format.
- Recording of the work or an electronic realization (optional). Please attach an MP3 audio file.
- Composer Biography and list of works
JUDGES:
Members of the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra’s Music Advisory Board.
ADMINISTRATION RIGHTS:
Administrator shall have the exclusive rights to include the Composition into its catalog of commissioned works and to rent print versions of the Composition to other ensembles.
Music Advisory Board
Music Advisory Board
Billy Childs
John Clayton
Joseph Conlan
Rashid Duke
Peter Erskine
Mitch Glickman
Ruth Cameron Haden
Eddie Karam
Christian McBride
Bob Mintzer
Ernie Watts
Previous winners of the SJO Commissioning Prize honoring George Duke
6th Annual ASCAP Foundation/SJO Commissioning Prize Winner Jihye Lee
5th Annual ASCAP Foundation/SJO Commissioning Prize Winner Remy Le Boeuf
4th Annual ASCAP Foundation/SJO Commissioning Prize Winner Daniel Szabo
3rd Annual Annual ASCAP Foundation/SJO Commissioning Prize Winner Patrick Gandy
2nd Annual ASCAP Foundation/SJO Commissioning Prize Winner Scott Routenberg
1st Annual ASCAP Foundation/SJO Commissioning Prize Winner Alan Chan
ADDRESS INQUIRIES TO:
Symphonic Jazz Orchestra Commissioning Prize
PO Box 1421
Culver City, CA 90232 USA
310.876.8130