Print versionThe Longfellow Chorus, of Portland, Maine, is a 50-member non-profit chorus, with the mission of inspiring new vocal and choral settings of the poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807-1882.
The Longfellow Chorus is a community chorus that maintains a high standard of performance. The SATB chorus may be divided into as many as eight parts, SSAATTBB.
Ranges: SI bb - b2; SII a - f#2; AI g - f2; AII f - e2; TI Bb - bb1; TII Bb - f#1; Bar Gb - f1; B Db - e1.
The Longfellow Chorus Orchestra is comprised of professional orchestra musicians from Maine and the neighboring area. Cantata settings must be orchestrated using the following instruments: one stand each Violin I, Violin II, Viola and Cello, one Double Bass; Flute I, Flute II and Piccolo (three players), Oboe I and II, Clarinet I, II and Bass Clarinet, Bassoon I, II and Contra; Four Horns, Trumpet I and II, Trombone I and II, Bass Trombone, Tuba; FULL PIPE ORGAN for occasional color only; Timpani (29" and 26" only) and Two Additional Percussionists ("Gran Cassa e Piatti," one set of Orchestral Chimes and various smaller instruments at the discretion of the composer). This orchestration is identical to the orchestration of Arthur Sullivan's (serious) Longfellow cantata, The Golden Legend, which will be performed along with the winning cantatas.
All settings must reflect an understanding of the life and work of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and help convey the meaning of the chosen text. Entries may represent varying compositional styles. Successful entries will show insight and imagination, be accessible to the average listener and geared toward the skill level of a community chorus comprised of adult amateur singers with excellent singing abilities. Additionally, but not exclusively, entries that incorporate culturally and ethnically diverse musical styles and traditions are encouraged. Winning settings will be premiered at the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 204th Birthday Concert, February 26 and February 27, 2011, at The First Parish in Portland, UUA, Portland, Maine, Longfellow's boyhood church.
Cantata settings (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem, prose or translation exclusively) will be at least 10 and no more than 20 minutes long by the end of Stage II, below. The work must tell a story and develop themes and motives. Chorus and orchestra only, no vocal soloists. Composers are required to submit anonymously the full score of any previously composed (non-Longfellow) orchestral work. Composers are also required to submit along with this score a 3-5 minute work sample of a proposed 10-20 minute cantata setting to be completed in Stage II. Demonstration of orchestration ability and nuanced understanding of choral voices is essential.
Stage I
Anonymous representative previous orchestral score and 3-5 minute work sample of a proposed 10-20 minute cantata setting the poetry, prose or translated text by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Deadline July 31, 2010.
Stage II (for selected finalists)
Anonymity lost. Completion of 10-20 minute Longfellow cantata.
Piano-vocal score by Jan. 2, 2011
Full score and parts by Jan. 23, 2011
Finalists chosen after Stage I deadline will lose anonymity and will complete the proposed Longfellow cantata setting by the required secondary deadlines. All finalists who meet the secondary deadline will have their cantatas performed by The Longfellow Chorus. Top prize to be announced at the February 27 concert (Longfellow's actual birthday). A non-predetermined number of alternate finalists will be chosen in the event one or both of the chosen finalists fail to meet the required deadlines.
The Longfellow Chorus reserves the right to deny performance to finalists not meeting Stage II deadlines, or not producing a cantata equaling the standards demonstrated and proposed during Stage I.
PRIZE
First Prize: $400, plus premiere performance February 26 and 27, 2011, and archival audio recording.
Second Prize: No monetary award, but premiere performance February 26 and 27, 2011, and archival audio recording.
ENTRY FEE:
Stage I only -- $15
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