Cincinnati Camerata

2010 Composition Contest Winner!

Posted on 05. Apr, 2010 by Darrin Hunter in News, Repertoire

Robert Paterson of New York City is the winner of the 2010 Cincinnati Camerata Composition Competition with his setting of Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep (text by Mary Frye). The panel chose this work, from his cycle Eternal Reflections, for its expressive choral writing, text painting and imaginatively beautiful textures.

The son of two visual artists, Robert Paterson’s music is often inspired by nature, visual art, machines and American icons. He has been described in the press as “one of the major contenders in American music.” Paterson has received performances in the United States and abroad by many outstanding ensembles, including the Louisville Orchestra, Russian Chamber Orchestra, Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire, New York New Music Ensemble, Da Capo Chamber Players, California EAR Unit, Ensemble Aleph and at the June in Buffalo Festival. His many awards include a Copland Award, the Brian Israel Prize, the Louisville Orchestra Composition Competition and twice winning the ASCAP Young Composer’s Award.

A public announcement will be made at the May 2nd Cincinnati Camerata’s “Aural Floral” concert May 2, 2010 at 3:00 pm at Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church [map]. The performance date in the 2010-2011 season may also be made at that time.

In addition, the panel announced four finalists for special mention (listed alphabetically): Robert Campbelle, of Bristol, Virginia, was selected for his melodic setting of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 (“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”). Israeli composer Gilad Cohen, of Princeton, New Jersey, received commendation for his Hebrew setting from the Song of Songs, Al Mishkavi Baleylot. The jury was impressed by the textures of The Light of Common Day, a setting from Wordsworth by Shawn Crouch of Miami, Florida. They also singled out Alan Shockley, of Lakewood, California, for his peje iesus je, an ancient Coptic Christian text.

We were extremely pleased to find such tremendous talent among the entries, which came from Europe, Asia and the Middle East in addition to the US. Our goal is to attract and encourage the very best in choral music, and the standard of work this year was the highest we have seen. We eagerly look forward to what next year will bring.

This year the jury included Chris Miller (Director of the Cincinnati Camerata), Philip Koplow, (Professor Emeritus of composition and theory at Northern Kentucky University), Beth Troendly (pianist and organist), Gonçalo Lourenço (composer and conductor from Setúbal, Portugal) and Nancy Arnest (Cincinnati choral singer).

We hope to see you in 2010-11 for the premiere of Mr. Paterson’s fine work!

Richard Arnest
Secretary and Steward, The Cincinnati Camerata Composition Competition