The Music Performance Unit UNSW is proud to announce the Willgoss Ensemble Composition Prize for 2020. The Prizeis aimed at encouraging and promoting the creation of an original, short work for ensembles, in support of a thriving instrumental and choral program at UNSW Sydney.

Dr Richard Willgoss and his wife Sue have generously provided support for this prize, to support and inspire composers of the highest standard, with a focus on creativity and excellence.

The winner will receive $2500 and will be commissioned to compose an original, short work for one of the following groups:

• SATB choir with piano or organ
• String ensemble
• Brass and percussion ensemble
  • Woodwind ensemble.

This commissioned short work will be performed in the 2021 season by members of UNSW Orchestra, UNSW Wind Symphony or the Collegium Musicum Choir.

The Willgoss Ensemble Composition Prize is open to all Australian citizens and permanent residents, of any age. Applications open July 1, 2020 and close August 2, 2020. A winner will be announced by August 23, 2020.

Richard and Sue are also funding the Willgoss Choral Composition Prize for the fifth year running.

The Willgoss Choral Composition Prize encourages and promotes the creation of an original work for unaccompanied choir. The winner will receive $3000 as well as the opportunity to have their score performed by the Burgundian Consort in its annual evening recital in 2021.

Applications for the Willgoss Choral Composition Prize open July 1, 2020 and close January 29, 2021.

More Information
Ensemble Prize music.unsw.edu.au/opportunities/willgoss-ensemble-composition-prize
Choral Prize music.unsw.edu.au/opportunities/willgoss-choral-composition-prize

About Dr Richard and Sue Willgoss

With a BSc and PhD from the University of Southampton, Dr Willgoss moved to Australia in 1985 to take up a lectureship at UNSW in the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. He remained at the school for 20 years, researching mechatronics and intelligence in machines, becoming the inaugural Head of the Department of Mechatronics and establishing a new Mechatronic Engineering undergraduate degree.

Music remains an important part of his life and Dr Willgoss continues to play violin and viola. While making the transition to retirement, he decided to study for a double degree in Music and Philosophy, specialising in composition, and joined UNSW’s elite choral ensemble the Burgundian Consort.

About Music Performance Unit UNSW

The Music Performance Unit UNSW is a small team responsible for the production of high-quality classical music concerts on campus. A core of UNSW's cultural life, the Music Performance Unit manages several primary activities, including:

• Australia Ensemble UNSW, Australia's leading chamber music ensemble that presents an annual subscription season and free concert and workshop series;
• Collegium Musicum Choir, an 80-100 voice choir comprising mostly undergraduates but also staff and members of the general community. It presents an annual program of three concerts;
• Burgundian Consort, a chamber choir of 12-18 voices of high-quality young [BH1] singers. It presents an annual evening recital as well as appearing at concerts of the Collegium Musicum and other special events;
• Large Instrumental Music Ensembles (LIME) comprising the UNSW Wind Symphony and UNSW Orchestra;
• Young Artists Concerts and special events.

The Music Performance Unit is in the portfolio of the UNSW Director of Student Life, Mr Neil Morris.

Enquiries
Alex Siegers, Communications & Operations Assistant,
Music Performance Unit UNSW
a.siegers@unsw.edu.au

Links
Willgoss Ensemble Composition Prize Terms and Conditions
Willgoss Ensemble Composition Prize Application Form
Willgoss Choral Composition Prize Terms and Conditions
Willgoss Choral Composition Prize Application Form