Composer in Residence Program

The Opera Company of Philadelphia, in collaboration with Gotham Chamber Opera and Music-Theatre Group in New York, is proud to announce the nation’s first comprehensive, operatic Composer In Residence program. Funded over five years by a $1.4 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Composer In Residence (CIR) program will provide a highly individualized professional development path for two of today’s most promising opera composers, selected on a competitive basis during 2011 and 2012. The goal of the CIR program is to foster tomorrow’s American operatic masterpieces through personalized creative development and intensive, hands-on composition opportunities. 

The CIR program is directed to composers of all professional levels who see opera as a significant new component of their future creative work, from emerging composers to midcareer artists moving into opera for the first time. The chosen candidate will embark on a three year personalized track providing opportunities to cultivate his/her skills in all aspects of opera production, from working one-on-one with librettists and dramaturges, to workshops and scene treatments with world-class performers. The CIR will have exceptional access to observe and work hands-on in every aspect of creative development, production, and performance.

While there is no pre-determined creative output required, composers are encouraged to make best use of resources by focusing their residency around one or more musical works. The resulting works may be considered for performance by the collaborators.

The CIR program will be administered by Kyle Bartlett, the New Works Administrator at the Opera Company of Philadelphia. Round One applications will be accepted online beginning February 15 and are due by March 7, 2012, after which a selection of applicants will be chosen to submit additional work for Round Two. These composers will be asked to submit additional scores and recordings, letters of reference, and a personal essay by April 14th and may be asked to interview in New York City or Philadelphia. The winning composer will be announced on or before June 16th.

This award includes a yearly salary of $60,000 and benefits. The first composer’s term will begin in September 2012.

Eligibility Requirements

The chosen composer:

  • Must be a US citizen based in the United States
  • Must not be enrolled or designated ABD in a degree-granting program at time of residency
  • Must be in residence in Philadelphia and New York for a minimum of four to six weeks, twice per year (housing and travel expenses provided)
  • Will participate in monthly meetings with senior executive and artistic staff
  • Will participate in youth and audience development programs across a variety of media

Deadline for Round I is 5:00 pm Eastern time, March 7, 2012. 
Inquiries about the program should be directed to composers@operaphila.org.
Please, no phone calls or faxes.
Composers invited to Round II will be notified by March 17, 2012.