The 2009 Harvey Gaul Composition Competition has ended.
The winner, Ned McGowan, receives a $6,000 commission from
The Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble,
to be premiered during The PNME's 2010 season.

Honorable Mentions may be awarded at the discretion of the judges
and will also be considered for future performances by The PNME.

The next competition will take place in 2011, with the winning work
to be premiered in 2012.

History

The Harvey Gaul competition was established in memory of Pittsburgh composer and conductor Harvey Gaul, who was Director of Music at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside for many years in the 1920's and 30’s. Following Gaul’s sudden death in 1945, the "Friends of Harvey Gaul" was established to, "perpetuate the name and remembrance of the humanitarianism of Harvey Gaul, the furtherance of music and other arts, and the promotion of musical education and appreciation"

In 1980, The Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble took over administration of the contest and became its sole sponsor. PNME is honored to continue recognizing the contributions of Harvey Gaul by commissioning new works by composers of the highest caliber and professionalism. The biennial competition is held in odd-numbered years, and the winning compositions performed in the following even-numbered years.

Recent Harvey Gaul commissions include Pierre Jalbert’s "Visual Abstract," Daniel Kellogg’s "Grand Canyon Hymns," and "Soldier Songs" by 2004 winner David T. Little, an evening-length work incorporating video, staging and the recorded narration of letters from combat veterans from Viet Nam and Iraq. "This competition is one of the more generous ones out there," says Noe. "Since increasing the prize money in 2004 we have received an extremely high level of entries from composers who are very anxious to write for us. We’re very anxious to see what this year’s winner will create for us."

To Enter

Postmark Deadline: January 1, 2011
See complete Rules below.

Send the following items:

1. One copy of a score for a representative instrumental work
   (chamber or orchestral; 4 players minimum);
   
   
2. CD recording of the work (CDs only, please);
   MIDI realizations are allowed but not recommended.
   
   
3. Current biography and/or resume, including contact information;
   
   
4. Entry fee of $20.
   

Send entries to:

Kevin Noe
Artistic Director
The Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble
527 Coyne Terrace
Pittsburgh, PA 15207

questions?

call: 412-889-7231 or email: contactpnme@gmail.com

Past Winners:

• Ned McGowan, 2009
• DJ Sparr, 2009
  (Hon. Mention)
• Clint Needham, 2009
  (Hon. Mention)
• Stacy Garrop, 2007
• Robert Paterson, 2007
  (Hon. Mention)
• Wang Jie, 2007 (Hon. Mention)
• David T. Little, 2005
• Daniel Kellogg, 2003
• Matthew Fields, 2001 (Hon. Men.)
• Pierre D. Jalbert, 2001
• Brett Dietz, 1999 (Hon. Mention)
• Derek Bermel, 1997
• David Cleary, 1991
• C. Bryan Rulon, 1989
• Robert D. Morris, 1983
• Robert Jager, 1975
• Jan Bach, 1972
• Fisher Tull

2006 PNME performance of
"Soldier Songs"
by 2005 winner David Little

527 Coyne Terrace, Pittsburgh, PA 15207

contactpnme@gmail.com