COMPOSITION

Composition Competition


In 2019, echo  launched a competition looking for a new piece for vocal ensemble to be performed as part of our 2020/21 season. The competition was judged by guest judges Robert Hollingworth , Judith Weir and members of the group.


After receiving over 90 entries, we are delighted to announce that we have come to the decision to award joint winners to Lillie Harris and Rory Johnston . We've also highly commended a shortlist of James Brady , Janet Oates and Karen Lemon



Find out more about the joint winning composers

Lillie Harris


"It is such an honour to have been selected by Echo as joint-winner of their composition competition. The poem that they asked entrants to respond to, 'Dunt: a poem for a dried up river' by Alice Oswald, just sang out at me right away, and I knew I had to have a go at setting it. I cannot wait to hear them perform my piece as they are such a talented and expressive ensemble."


@lilliepharris

www.lillieharris.com


Example of previous work:

Rory Wainwright Johnston


"I am thrilled to have been chosen as the joint winner for Echo's composition competition, they are such an interesting ensemble exploring different ideas with programming and improvisation, so I'm excited to hear how they bring my piece to life!"


@rorywainwright

www.facebook.com/rorywainwrightjohnston

www.rorywainwrightjohnston.com





Example of previous work:


Judges Feedback

Robert Hollingworth

"Bravo to all those who took part. For different reasons, Judith and I loved the varied approaches that composers took and their inspired embodying of the text - the choral composer's holy grail. (Ni.) How excellent that a newish choir is already commissioning music in this way and has got to know a range of composers' works as a result."

Judith Weir

"A notable feature of echo’s competition has been the freedom given to entrants, with the invitation either to set the offered text, or to respond to it with other poetry. Two very free interpretations have been the winners - along with a strong shortlist of ‘highly commendeds’, all well worth hearing."


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