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Call for Scores

The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle (COT) is seeking short works or individual movements for string quartet. Eight selected works will feature at the COT’s MUSIC MADNESS event on April 10, 2025 in Durham, NC.  

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MUSIC MADNESS is a bracketed, elimination style competition in three rounds. During Round One, each composition will be randomly paired against another composition with only 30 seconds of each work being performed. The audience will then vote on which composition to advance to the next round. Round Two will repeat this process with the 4 remaining compositions. This time, 2 minutes of each work will be performed. Round Three will see the two final compositions performed in their entirety, with a winner always chosen by the audience. 

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All compositions will be prepared and performed by The COT’s Durham Fellowship Quartet. All composers will remain anonymous both to the performers and the audience throughout the rehearsal process and competition. All participating composers names and program notes will be revealed upon the selection of a winning composition. 

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The deadline for submissions is January 24, 2025

Prizes

  • The composer of the winning composition will receive $1,000  

  • All eight selected works will be recorded in their entirety, with the recording provided to the composer. 

  • Winning composers will also receive a video of the MUSIC MADNESS Final performance.

Composition Guidelines

  • Submitted works must be no longer than 8 minutes in duration.

  • Compositions must be scored for string quartet.

  • Submissions can be stand alone works or singular movements from a larger composition.

  • Submitted works may be previously performed and/or awarded.

Selection

  • All submissions will be reviewed by the Artistic Leadership of the COT, as well as the Durham Fellowship Quartet.

  •  The eight selected participants will be notified by email on February 3, 2025.

Submission Guidelines

  • Composers must submit .pdf(s) of the score and set of parts for consideration. 

  • Composers may make up to two submissions

  • Composers must clearly indicate the 30 second and 2 minute excerpts that they wish to be performed during the event. 

  • Links to previous recordings or midi files are appreciated, but not required.

  • There is no restriction on age or experience. 

  • Deadline for submission is January 24, 2025.

Failure to follow the guidelines will result in a composition not being considered

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