Open Call: International Guest Artist Residency (Estonia)

MusicConnects is seeking applications for an international guest residency as part of its 20^th Anniversary programme in 2023. MusicConnects is collaborating with the The Arvo Pärt Centre to present this opportunity, which is open to Estonian musicians or musicians based in Estonia.

This residency programme will see the chosen artist living in Galway for two months collaborating with ConTempo Quartet, MusicConnects’ ensemble in residence. With all five musicians on an equal footing, this collaboration will result in a number of public performances featuring repertoire involving the guest artist with members of ConTempo Quartet, either in quintet formations or other combinations.

The project will focus on an exploration of Estonian music including the work of Arvo Pärt and other Estonian composers, as well as links between Estonian and Irish music, resulting in artist development and interesting musical connections. This programme is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.

About ConTempo Quartet

Formed in 1995 in Bucharest, ConTempo Quartet is recognised as one of the most exciting and vibrant chamber ensembles performing today. The quartet was chosen as MusicConnects’ Ensemble in Residence in 2003 and continues to captivate audiences throughout the city and county with its repertoire of classical, contemporary, folk and traditional music.

This unique partnership over such a long period, has enabled MusicConnects with ConTempo Quartet to develop long-lasting relationships with individuals, communities, artists and organisations, and to create profound connections throughout the city and county. Focused on performance and education programmes, over the past 22 years MusicConnects with ConTempo Quartet has developed countless opportunities for the people of Galway to engage with music in a meaningful way regardless of their age or circumstance.

2023 International Residency Opportunity

What’s involved?

The mini-residency will take place over a two-month period in autumn/winter 2023. It will focus on collaboration with ConTempo Quartet resulting in a number of public performances:

• A minimum of six rehearsal sessions with ConTempo Quartet.
• Two concerts as part of our popular monthly lunchtime concert series in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church featuring music performed by ConTempo Quartet and the guest artist in various combinations.
• A repeat of both concerts in rural centres in County Galway.
• Short performances during our multi-genre 3 Kinds of Music series (2-3 events). These performances could be solo performances or ensemble performances. The successful applicant will also be invited to work with the series curator to thematically programme this series. Please find out more about this series on our website and YouTube channel.
• In-classroom workshops delivered with ConTempo Quartet as part of the BA in Music at University of Galway (for example as part of modules on composition, music history and critical listening).

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from established and emerging musicians of any instrument (except piano – see note below). Applicants must be Estonian or permanently based in Estonia with strong knowledge of Estonian repertoire and music tradition. We will also consider applications from composer/performers wishing to compose some repertoire for the project. We encourage applications from musicians from minority backgrounds. The working language of this residency is English.

Applicants must:

• Be from or based in Estonia.
• Be over 18.
• Be available in Galway, Ireland to rehearse and perform during October/November 2023 (there is an option for the successful candidate to travel where necessary around residency commitments at their own expense – this will only be possible where all elements of the residency project are satisfied).
• Demonstrate available repertoire from Estonian composers for string quartet and the applicant’s instrument OR the applicant must have the skills and resources to arrange or compose repertoire for the unique combination of string quartet and applicant’s instrument (all copyright/licensing requirements must be met by the applicant).
• Have experience working collaboratively with other musicians and programming.
• Have a broad knowledge of Estonian repertoire and music tradition.
• Have a genuine interest in exploring the links between Estonian and Irish music.
• Be open to and capable of contributing positively to education workshops and programmes.

Restrictions

• Regrettably, on this occasion we cannot accept applications involving piano due to lack of access to high-quality pianos in featured venues and rehearsal spaces.
• The featured events are presented in unamplified, live acoustic settings. This is no provision for sound equipment or sound engineers.

What your application must include

• A 2-page (maximum) CV outlining your relevant experience as a musician and, if applicable, composer
• A 1-page proposal outlining how you satisfy the criteria above and what you can bring to this opportunity that is unique
• A maximum of 3 links or audio/video files of performance or recording
• Three suggestions of Estonian repertoire (single works) you would be interested in exploring with ConTempo Quartet during this project.

The fine print

• The mini-residency will take place over a two-month period in autumn/winter 2023.
• The residency fee will be €4,100 including rehearsal, performances, and workshops.
• Suitable accommodation in Galway will be provided for the successful candidate.
• Rehearsal space will be provided for the successful candidate.
• A travel budget (one return trip) and daily stipend will be provided to the successful candidate.

Application details

• Applications should be sent via email by Monday 19 June 2023.
• Shortlisted applicants will be contacted and interviewed in late June 2023.
• Queries can be sent via email up until Thursday 15 June 2023.

About MusicConnects

Everyone should have the right to listen to, learn about and love music. This simple belief is the driving force behind everything that MusicConnects aims to achieve. It exists to serve the people of Galway city and county, providing opportunities for all to experience music in new and unexpected ways, to learn from inspiring musicians and spark joy in their lives. At the core of our work has been the goal of breaking down the barrier that traditionally separates the audience, the general public, from classical music and musicians. We present music in interactive ways, in unexpected venues, giving people of all walks of life meaningful experiences of music, across ages and generations. For more information about our organisation, check out our social media pages:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thegalwaymusicresidency
Instagram: @thegalwaymusicresidency
Twitter: @GalwayMusicRes
YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/galwaymusicresidency

To download a copy of this Open Call, click here: Open call for residency of guest artists MusicConnects Arvo Part Centre collaboration Rev4