Next year, 2011, is the 400th anniversary of a book considered by many to be the finest work of prose in the English language - The King James Bible. From literature to pop music its influence is as deeply ingrained in the English language as Shakespeare's: 'let there be light', 'the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak', 'signs of the times', 'by the rivers of Babylon'. The list goes on.
From Purcell to Parry the King James Bible has inspired composers for four centuries and to mark this important anniversary, the King James Bible Trust is running an international competition inviting composers aged 30 or under to write an original piece of sung music, using as their inspiration words from the King James Bible.
The Competition recognises the great range of contemporary vocal music and invites composers to submit new works for church performance. There are two categories, each with a prize of £2,000.
The Competition is being offered to practising composers as well as amateurs, choristers, gospel groups and students. Interest in choral music has never been greater, with BBC2's ground-breaking series, Sacred Music and The Choir; even the Pope's recent visit to the UK had as its musical centre-piece a new Latin Mass written by James MacMillan - one of the key Adjudicators of this competition.
The King James Bible Composition Awards is organised in partnership with Westminster Abbey, the Royal College of Music and the Royal School of Church Music. The prestigious Competition invites Composers aged 30 or under to write a piece of sung music to a text from the King James Version of the Bible.
CATEGORY A
An anthem or song for up to four vocal parts and keyboard, suitable for use in worship and should be composed with a non-professional choir in mind. The winning entry will be performed by the Royal School of Church Music Millennium Youth Choir. The final adjudicator will be the composer Bob Chilcott.
CATEGORY B
An anthem in up to eight parts, unaccompanied or with organ, for an experienced choir (such as a cathedral, well-resourced church or professional group) suitable for use in worship. The winning entry will be performed at a service at Westminster Abbey in November 2011. The final adjudicator will be the composer James MacMillan.
Prize money in each category is £2,000
Registration fee is £20 per entry
Deadline for entries is 31 January 2011
Full details at www.kingjamesbibletrust.org
Posted: Wed 22nd December 2010