The Arapahoe Philharmonic of Denver, CO, in support of its continuing mission to give recognition to young talent in the classical music field, announces its Inaugural Vincent C. LaGuardia, Jr. Conducting Competition for 2013-2014.  This competition is for conductors between the ages of 18 and 28 who are not yet in the professional field.  The winner will conduct Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide in concert with the Arapahoe Philharmonic on February 7, 2014.

 
The 90-member Arapahoe Philharmonic has been a valuable cultural asset in the Denver metropolitan area since 1953.  In addition to its regular concert season, the orchestra offers many services to the community including concerts for elementary school students, Side-by-Side concerts with local schools, and the T. Gordon Parks Collegiate Concerto Competition.

 

Application Process/Entry Submission

1.  Applicants must submit a DVD recording or active YouTube link containing 3-4 contrasting excerpts seen from the ensemble’s perspective.  Submitted footage should be 15-20 minutes in length.

• It is preferred that microphone placement reflects a good overall sound from the ensemble.

• At least 2 excerpts should be performance footage; at least 1 excerpt should be from a rehearsal.

 

2.  A complete application package consists of the following:

• DVD Recording or YouTube link as outlined above.  (Please put your name on the

recording to ensure proper identification)

• Application form, which can be downloaded here.

• Copy of ID (Driver’s License or Passport) to confirm eligibility to apply.

• Resume and/or Brief Autobiography.

• $35.00 non-refundable processing fee.

 

3.  Send or electronically submit the application package to the Arapahoe Philharmonic office for receipt by November 15, 2013.  Application materials become the property of the Arapahoe Philharmonic. Your $35.00 non-refundable processing fee must be included with the application. All eligible entries received by midnight November 15, 2013 will be reviewed and judged without exception. No late entries will be accepted.  No recordings or materials will be returned.

4.   Two complimentary tickets to any Arapahoe Philharmonic concert will be sent to all eligible applicants.

 

5.  Arapahoe Philharmonic judges will select a winner from the submitted entries who meets the competition eligibility rules. Decisions of the judges are final. Applicants will be notified by email of the results by December 15, 2013. 

 

6.  The Winner is responsible for his/her own expenses including travel, lodging, and meals. At the Winner’s request, housing/homestay can be arranged and provided.

 

Competition Awards

 

The winning candidate will have the opportunity to conduct the full symphonic orchestra in

concert on February 7, 2014, with rehearsal time on Tuesday, February 4th and dress rehearsal on Thursday, February 6th.

 

Competition Eligibility Rules

 

1. The Competition is open to musicians who are at least 18 and not older than 28 as of February 7, 2014. 

2. Applicants must currently reside in the United States.

3. Applicants should be conductors in training or student conductors, and not regularly employed in the conducting field.

4. Entry in this competition constitutes the contestant's authorization to use his or her name, photographs, and biographical information for publicity purposes.

5. The Arapahoe Philharmonic reserves the right to dismiss any applicant if his/her application is found to be ineligible or misleading in any way.  Such disqualification may be made at any time, up to and including the date of the scheduled performance.  A disqualified applicant will forfeit the conducting experience, and no refund of fees or expenses will be given.  The Arapahoe Philharmonic will have sole discretion to award the opportunity to conduct the orchestra to an alternate candidate.

Competition First Place Winner's Obligations

 

1. The First Place winner will conduct the Arapahoe Philharmonic in concert on February 7, 2014.  Two recordings of the concert performance will be taken; one from the audience perspective and the other from the musicians point of view. These recordings become the property of the Arapahoe Philharmonic. The winner will receive copies of both.

 
2. The First Place winner is required to attend rehearsals on February 4 & 6, 2014 at 7:30 PM, and the concert on February 7, 2014 at 7:30 PM.

 

3.  If the First Place winner is unable to perform with the orchestra on the February 7th concert, a runner-up may be asked to appear as the guest conductor. The original winner

will forfeit the conducting experience.  Extenuating or emergency circumstances will be considered by the Arapahoe Philharmonic. 

 

4.  An electronic photograph of the first place winner is requested for publicity purposes.  This photograph must be free of duplication restrictions.