Karen Sokolof Javitch
Emerging Composers Composition Competition

Competition Background
As part of the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Appreciation Fund, a competition was established in 2007 to encourage new music by young and emerging Jewish Composers.  Up to three compositions from each group will be performed in a concert at the Jewish Community Center of Omaha, NE, on January 10, 2008.  The winning compositions will be announced at that time.

The finalists will be given an honorarium of $500 to cover transportation and lodging for the concert. Each finalist will be expected to work with the performers at the dress rehearsal and to give a short introduction of their work at the concert.

The winning composition in each age group will be awarded $1000.

In keeping with the overall goals of the competition, the composition criteria will change each year.

For 2008, the prize will be awarded to a Chamber work (5-15 minutes) that utilizes any combination of violin, viola, cello, piano and one solo instrument or voice.

Two prizes will be awarded, one in each age group:

• Young Jewish Composer – Age 20 and younger.  Applicants under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian sign the application on their behalf.

• Emerging Jewish Composer – Age 21 and up, and in the early stages of the compositional careers.

Eligibility and Composition Guidelines:

• The composer must be Jewish (either by birth or religious conversion)

• Must not be related to or part of the Review Board of the Karen Sokolof Javitch Emerging Composers Composition Competition.

The Composition:

• Will be for any combination of violin, viola, cello, piano and one solo instrument or voice.

• 5 - 15 minutes in length. 

• Difficulty of the composition is left to the composer, however realistic performance demands should be considered. 

• Of a Jewish theme:  religious, folk, or secular. 

• Must be an original work.  The composer will retain all copyrights.

•  Must not have been previously published by a major publishing house such as (but not limited to) Transcontinental, Tara, Zamir, or Soundswrite publications, or by a professional organizations such as (but not limited to) the Cantors Assembly, or the American Conference of Cantors, unless it is a self-published work and the organization functions more as a distributor or a clearing-house than an actual publisher. If a composer has questions about what constitutes a “previously published” work, he or she should email KSJCompetition@meyer717.com  for clarification. 

• Previously commissioned works may not be submitted.

• Only works completed after January 1, 2002 will be considered. 

• Only computer generated or clear, accurate, professionally written scores will be considered.  Incomplete, illegible, or late applications will not be considered.

• Instrumental parts must be readily available upon request.

Application process and deadlines:

Download Application Here

Each composer must submit a total of four (4) copies of the full score (no parts at this time) and a CD recording (midi realizations will be accepted). 

In one sealed envelope bearing a unique alphabetical/numerical pseudonym and age group (Young or Emerging), place:
Three (3) of the copies each bearing the unique alphabetical/numerical pseudonym and the CD.  In addition, a brief explanation of the piece can also be included.  To keep the contest anonymous, any representation of the composer’s name found in this sealed envelope will render that composition ineligible for the consideration.

In another sealed envelope, also bearing the pseudonym and age group (Young or Emerging), place:
One (1) copy of the score with the composer’s name upon it, the application, a brief bio including works written, and a picture.

Place both sealed envelopes and a SASE (if you would like your work returned) in a larger envelope and post before August 1, 2007 to:

Karen Sokolof Javitch Composition Competition
Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation
Attn:  Janet Henthorn
333 South 132nd Street
Omaha, Nebraska  68154

Review Board of the Karen Sokolof Javitch Emerging Composers Composition Competition:

Cantor Gaston Bogomolni – Cantor of Beth El Synagogue, Omaha NE
Cantor Wendy Shermet – Cantor of Temple Israel Synagogue, Omaha NE
Aviva Segall – Conductor of Omaha Area Youth Orchestra
Arnold “Tuffy” Epstein – Performer and Teacher
Emily Howard Meyer – Composer, Performer and Teacher

Questions??  Please email KSJCompetition@meyer717.com