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The Peter Eötvös Contemporary Music Foundation's Workshop for Composers
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The Peter Eötvös Contemporary Music Foundation announces a vocal-instrumental workshop for composers between 5–9 November 2025 in Budapest, Hungary.
After the great success of the chamber opera project Clavigo in 2024, the Foundation is excited to offer another exceptional opportunity to explore new music for voice and instruments in collaboration with Ars Nova Ensemble and the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel.
This year’s theme invites participants to explore and transform two witty and poignant texts by Mark Twain:
Each applicant is asked to submit an excerpt of a 5-minute mini-chamber opera for two voices, which will be further developed during the workshop with the musicians, singers, and professors Ramon Lazkano, Benoît Sitzia, and Gregory Vajda.
The closing presentation of the masterclass will be a concert version of the mini-operas (not staged) alongside solo instrumental pieces by Peter Eötvös. However, the staging potential of the mini-operas will be discussed during the workshop.
Each composer will receive an audio recording of their work after the workshop.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Each applicant must submit at least a one-third of the completed musical score for a 5-minute mini-opera for two voices: soprano, baritone and chamber ensemble:
Alto Saxophone (also Soprano Sax.), Trumpet in C, Violin, Cello.
The mini-operas must be written in English based on the Public Domain texts by Mark Twain. Creative adaptation of the original texts is possible and encouraged. We invite the applicants to be bold with the dramaturgical possibilities: to juxtapose, mix, or reinterpret the “diaries" to create their unique operatic vision within the framework of the project. Upon selection as active participant, and before the November masterclass, composers might be required to make necessary alterations in the vocal parts to fit the voice characters of our young professional singers delegated by the vocal program of the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel.
Please upload your score under 'Own Piece' in the application.
KEY INFO:
- Eligibility: Open to composers of all nationalities
- Age limit for active participants: 35 years (no age limit for observers)
- Level: Advanced students and professionals with an interest in contemporary vocal music
Professors:
Gregory Vajda (Hungary/USA) – conductor, composer, program director
Guest Professors:
Ramon Lazkano (Spain – Basque /France) – composer
Benoît Sitzia (France) – composer, Artistic Director of Ars Nova Ensemble
Languages of the course: English, French, Spanish, Hungarian
APPLICATION MATERIAL FOR ACTIVE COMPOSERS:
- Online application form
- Curriculum vitae
- Musical score (as described above)
- Portrait photo
All applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s website!