The Canadian Music Centre Prairie Region is pleased to invite composers to submit new works for a professional development reading session featuring a string quartet from the Calgary-based Kensington Sinfonia.

Selected works for this reading will be workshopped on November 22nd 2025 at 1:30pm at the National Music Centre in Calgary as part of ArcherFest, two days of programming and concert events in honour of the life and musical legacy of composer and educator Violet Archer.

November 10th, 2025, at 11:59pm: Deadline for submissions
November 22, 2025, 1:30pm: Reading session

 

ABOUT THE ENSEMBLE

The Kensington Sinfonia has been sharing intimate, inspiring chamber music with Calgary since 1988. From timeless Baroque favorites to bold new works, the ensemble creates programs that celebrate both tradition and innovation. With a strong focus on local composers and collaborations, the Sinfonia brings fresh energy to every performance.

Concerts at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church offer a warm, close-up experience, while the Village Sessions at Village Brewery break boundaries by pairing the Sinfonia’s string quartet with Alberta artists from folk, indie, and experimental genres.

Now in its fourth decade, Kensington Sinfonia continues to make classical music welcoming, creative, and community-driven—inviting audiences of all ages to connect with the joy of live performance in new and meaningful ways.

https://www.kensingtonsinfonia.ca/

INSTRUMENTATION:

• 2x violins / Viola / Cello

TIMELINE:

• Score Submission Deadline: Monday, November 10th, 2025, at 11:59pm
• Notification of Results: Friday, November 14th, 2025
• Date: November 22, 2025 1:30pm-4pm
• Venue: National Music Centre, 850 4 St. SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1R1

 

DETAILS:

• Each composer will have 20-25 minutes with the ensemble to read their work/sketch/materials, request experimentation, and ask questions of the ensemble. The purpose of this reading is to assist composers with developing compositional concepts and ideas, writing for strings, and to encourage experimentation and constructive feedback/discussion between a professional ensemble and composer. A conductor will be present to assist the ensemble and give feedback as needed.
• The ensemble will not rehearse the material prior to the reading.
• Print copies of the music will be supplied for the musicians by the Canadian Music Centre Prairie Region, and the composers are free to take these copies following the session.
• Composers are encouraged to attend in person, however attending virtually may be able to be accommodated.
• Sessions are open to members of the public to observe and free of charge.

 

APPLICANTS MUST:

• Attend the event in person/virtually.
• Provide all required performance materials (score, parts) in clear, easily readable scores by the application deadline.
• Supply any additional materials other than the scores, i.e. items for extended techniques.

 

FEES:

• This event is fully sponsored by the Canadian Music Centre Prairie Region; there will be no cost to you as the composer to participate, other than the $20 application fee for non-CMC members.
• Associate Composers of CMC have their application fee waived.

 

SUBMITTED WORKS/SKETCHES MUST:

• Have been composed within the past 3 years.
• Have not been previously performed, or if so, be in the process of revision.
• Have a duration of no more than 10 minutes in length.
• Be scored for string quartet or be reduced to string quartet. Pieces for solo or duos of this ensemble may be considered, but preference will be given to scores written for the full ensemble.
• Both notation and graphic scores will be accepted.

 

Please note that pieces that include electronics or projections cannot be considered at this time, thanks!

Preference will be given to applicants working/living/performing/creating in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the NorthWest Territories.

Questions? Contact CMC Prairie Region Director Janna Sailor: janna.sailor@cmccanada.org

ArcherFest: Call for Scores

Reading Session with Kensington Sinfonia String Quartet
📅 Deadline for Submissions: Monday, November 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM
📍 Reading Session: Saturday, November 22, 2025, 1:30–4:00 PM
Venue: National Music Centre, Calgary, AB

Attendance

AGREEMENT