String Quartet Commissioning Competition for the Argus Quartet

The Composers Guild of New Jersey announces a commissioning competition for New Jersey composers. One composer will be commissioned to write a new string quartet for the Argus Quartet to be premiered in their 2019-2020 season.

Eligibility

The competition is open to all composers who 1) currently live in the state of New Jersey, or 2) work or study in New Jersey. Composers may be in any stage of their careers. Composers with non-standard career paths are particularly encouraged to apply. There is no age limit.

Prize

$3,000 commission to write a new string quartet, 10-15 minutes in length, to be premiered by the Argus Quartet during their ’19-’20 season. The new work must be delivered electronically by July 15, 2019.

Submission

Application Deadline: January 1, 2019. There is no application fee.

To apply, send an email to cgnjarguscommission@cgnj.org with “Argus Commission” as the subject and attach the following:

  • A PDF with a brief bio that includes an explanation of how you meet the eligibility requirements.

  • Two representative scores (PDF) and links to corresponding recordings (mp3), which can be on a website or deposited in a dropbox. At least one of the two works should show the applicant’s ability to write for string instrument(s). At least one of the two works should be scored for a small chamber ensemble.

Judging

The entries will be reviewed by members of CGNJ. One of the 3-4 finalists will be selected by the Argus Quartet. CGNJ and Argus reserve the right not to award a commission. All applicants will be notified by February 15, 2019.

Please direct your questions to cgnjarguscommission@cgnj.org.

For more information about the Composers Guild of New Jersey and the Argus Quartet, please follow the links:

Composers Guild of New Jersey www.cgnj.org

Argus Quartet www.argusquartet.com

Evan Schwartzman