Association of Canadian Choral Condutors

Association of Canadian Choral Condutors

Friday, August 20, 2010

The Amadeus Choir launches the 24th annual Christmas Carol and Chanukah Song Writing Competition

Though we may be in the throes of a seemingly never-ending summer heat wave, it’s never too early to start counting the days until the holiday season is upon us.

With that in mind, the Toronto-based and world-renowned Amadeus Choir (www.amadeuschoir.com) is launching its 24th annual Christmas Carol and Chanukah Song Writing Competition.  Established in 1987 by the choir and its celebrated Conductor and Artistic Director, Dr. Lydia Adams, the competition’s goals are threefold: to provide a forum for new compositions to be created, to motivate composers to develop their craft and to augment the existing choral repertoire for Christmas and Chanukah. 

The international competition is open to children and youth (in odd numbered years, the competition is open to all composers regardless of age or level of experience).  Entries must be original, unpublished music compositions and can be submitted under any of the following Composer Categories:  Individual Compositions – Child (under 10 years, 10-12 years and 13-14 years), Individual Compositions – Youth (15-17 years and 18-20 years) or Group Compositions (group of two or more individuals and small class or smaller group of children). Voicing Categories include:  Unison unaccompanied, Unison with accompaniment by organ or piano, Harmony (e.g. SATB, SSA or other combination) unaccompanied and Harmony (e.g. SATB, SSA or other combination) with accompaniment by organ or piano.
“The Christmas Carol and Chanukah Song Writing Competition is an opportunity for talented young composers from around the world to add their voices to Canada’s rich choral tradition, and we are thrilled to be able to provide them with this unique platform to promote their works,” said Lydia Adams, Conductor and Artistic Director, the Amadeus Choir.

Compositions must be submitted by October 15 and winners will be selected by a judging panel of internationally acclaimed choral conductors and composers.  The first place winner in each category will receive a cash prize of $100 and the winning compositions will be performed by the Amadeus Choir at their December 18 concert, Sing with the Angels, in Toronto.

For a complete listing of competition rules and regulations, please visit: www.amadeuschoir.com.

About the Amadeus Choir
The Amadeus Choir opens its 2010/11 season with a profound and powerful program Through the Eyes of Children on November 6 and continues through the holiday season on December 18 with Sing with the Angels, a joyous celebration featuring the Bach Children’s Chorus and the winning compositions from the choir’s 24th annual Christmas Carol and Chanukah Song Writing Competition.  The season climaxes with more inspirational choral works: The Legendary Haydn and Mozart on April 9, and Our Home and Native Land on May 14, where the winners of the Amadeus Choir’s new Competition for Young Composers will be featured.


Founded in 1975, the Amadeus Choir is celebrating its 36th year and is under the direction of Dr. Lydia Adams, Conductor and Artistic Director.  The Amadeus Choir performs a regular series of concerts, presenting well-known artists in works by Canadian and international composers, including major works with instrumental ensembles or full orchestra, as well as challenging a cappella performances.

For additional information, images or interview requests, please contact –
Jumol Royes, Jsquared2 Public Relations at 416.220.9573 or jumol@jsquared2pr.com.

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