What makes Volti's Choral Arts Laboratory program so unique is that over an extended period of time, you learn the finer points of writing for a great choir that loves new music, with a conductor and resident composer who really care about the process. You are allowed to try different options, see what works and what doesn't work, refine what you write the first time around and get it right for the premiere. I cannot think of a better program than this one, in North America or anywhere else, for honing your craft as a composer of choral music. This was one of the most important educational experiences I have ever had as a composer.
—Robert Paterson, 2004/05 CAL composer

The Choral Arts Laboratory is an annual commissioning and residency program, begun in 2003, which is designed to give American composers under the age of 35 the opportunity to work with the professional singers of Volti during the compositional process. The composer is invited not only to create a work for the ensemble, but to develop the composition in a series of workshops. The composer is then given more time to work out issues discovered during rehearsal with the singers, as well as during consultations with Artistic Director Robert Geary and Volti's longtime Resident Composer, Mark Winges. This collaboration culminates in the world-premiere performances given by Bob Geary and Volti during the regular concert season.

Each year approximately 40 composers from around the U.S. apply to Volti for this opportunity; more than half of the states have been represented over the six years of this program. Peter Knell, Robert Paterson, Eric Lindsay, Amy Beth Kirsten and George Lam are past CAL composers. Ruby Fulton, who has recently worked with David Lang as an associate artist at the Atlantic Center for the Arts and whose Road Ranger Cowboy was included in the 2008 Cabrillo Festival, has been selected to write the sixth CAL commission, which will be premiered in February 2009.

CALL FOR SCORES

One composer will be invited to compose an a cappella work for professional chamber choir for performances in the 2009/10 season. The residency will also include:

  • consultation with Artistic Director Robert Geary
  • initial presentation of piece and reading sessions (to be recorded) with
    Volti, followed by mentoring sessions with Mr. Geary and Resident Composer Mark Winges, and a period for revisions
  • workshop sessions with Volti during the week prior to the premiere
  • premiere performances in San Francisco and Berkeley during main season, professionally recorded (composer will receive CD of the entire concert)
  • Volti will pay travel costs and provide accommodations as necessary.

GUIDELINES

Composer must not have reached 35th birthday by January 1, 2009, and must live within the United States. Applicants should submit:

  • Completed application form (click to download PDF)
  • 1-2 page (maximum) bio/c.v.
  • 2 recent scores, one of which must incorporate the human voice (recordings
    recommended but not required)
  • cover letter describing the artistic goals of C.A.L. to applicant (what he/she hopes to achieve/learn during the residency
  • SASE for return of materials; SAS postcard to confirm receipt of materials.

Application materials must be postmarked by January 1, 2009, and should be sent to the address below. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

NOTIFICATION

Applicants will be notified of selection after May 15, 2009. At that time an initial exploration of the parameters for the piece will take place between Mr. Geary and the selected composer. If selected, composer agrees to provide a draft score of the new work by September 15, 2009.

For more information, email us at info@voltisf.org

Send application materials to:
Volti / CAL
PO Box 15576
San Francisco CA 94115-0576.