Crash30 Composer Open Call

CRASH30 Open Call for Composers

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Crash Ensemble invites applications from composers forCRASH30, a commissioning initiative marking the ensemble's 30th anniversary in2027.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, Crash willcommission 3 new works by 3 Irish and Ireland-based composers. Thesecommissions are made possible thanks to our generous donors who supported our CRASH30fundraising campaign, which invests directly in the creation of new music andthe artists shaping its future.

For 3 decades, Crash has championed adventurous music andthe composers behind it. CRASH30 continues that commitment by creating newopportunities for composers to write for the group. 

The Commission

Three composers will each be commissioned to write a newwork of approximately three minutes for one of the following ensemble sections:

-             Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass)

-             Wind (flute, clarinet, trombone)

-             Rhythm (percussion, electric guitar, piano)

The completed works will receive their world premieres aspart of Crash’s 30th Anniversary programme in 2027. In keeping with the spiritof the campaign, both the composers and the new works will remain under wrapsuntil they are officially unveiled during the anniversary celebrations.

Commissioning fee: €1,000 per commission

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Who Can Apply?

The open call is open to:

-             Irish composers, wherever they are based

-             Composers of any nationality currently based inIreland

Composers at all stages of their careers are encouraged toapply.

Crash Ensemble is committed to policies supporting equalityand inclusion and we welcome and encourage applications representative of theten characteristics as outlined in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy- age, disability, gender, marital/civil status, family status, race,religion/politics, sexual orientation, membership of the travelling communityand socio-economic status.

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Selection Process

Applications will be assessed through a blind selectionprocess by members of Crash Ensemble.

Identifying information will be removed from submittedmaterials before assessment. Applications will be evaluated on the strength ofthe music and the artistic response to the brief.

Three composers - one for each ensemble section - will beselected.

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Timeline

Open call launches: 3 November 2026

Closing date for applications: 20 November 2026

Successful applicants notified: 7 December 2026

Premieres: During Crash's 30th Anniversary programme in2027

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How to Apply

Applications should include:

-             Email sian@crashensemble.com with ‘Crash30 Commission Proposal’ in the subject line

-             Submit a short video or written documentanswering the following questions:

1.Your name and contact details (email and phone number)

2.Which ensemble section you would like to write for -strings, wind or rhythm

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- Submit 2 examples of existing works. These can be PDFnotated scores/graphic scores/musical thoughts &ideas/instructions/MP3s/electronic mock ups (if you have one). Please providein a format where we can redact identifying information.

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Crash Ensemble is strategically funded by the ArtsCouncil / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, revenue funded by Dublin City Council withinternational touring supported by Culture Ireland. Crash isensemble-in-residence at the National Concert Hall in Dublin and at KilkennyArts Festival.

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