Chengdu Xchange

The ZKM | Hertz-Lab awards three composition commissions in cooperation with the Sichuan Conservatory Of Music (SCCM) in Chengdu, China, the world's largest conservatory of music.

Therefore, we call for project proposals that combine traditional Chinese and/or European instruments with electronic (spatial) sound. We particularly welcome compositions that include the Sound Dome and create a synthesis of cultural aspects between the Far East and Europe. 

The newly composed works will be framed and linked by light and media design components during the performance together with five other works from China, thus creating a self-contained presentation concept. The first concert, at which the pieces will be premiered, will take place on 14 July 2019 at the ZKM in the Kubus, followed in the course of 2019 by further performances at various venues in China – expected to include Shanghai and Chengdu. 

The selected composers will receive financial support for their work in the form of a 1,000€ scholarship and can also use the technical infrastructure on site at the ZKM for two to three weeks. The funding will be used to cover travel expenses, accommodation, board and lodging during the working stays on site. Travel and accommodation costs for the concert will be financed separately.

The composition proposals submitted can deal with the traditional Chinese instruments pipa, guzheng and sheng and/or the European instruments violin, violoncello and clarinet (double bass clarinet) and their relationship and combination with current technical trends in the field of electronic music in a variety of ways. The technical component can be represented, for example, by multichannel compositions, up to the use of the Sound Dome. The compositions should be written for at least one of the mentioned instruments plus electronics. We particularly welcome a constellation of Chinese and European instruments. The works should not exceed a duration of 5–10 minutes.

Required materials:

• Composition proposal
• Expected technical conditions for construction and implementation
• Expected trial & set-up times
• Expected incurred production costs (cost plan)
• Information material on already existing works, if possible to illustrate the project proposal (audio files, pictures, descriptions)

Composite proposals can be submitted by e-mail to hertz-lab@zkm.de (no expiring download links!) up to April 18, 2019.