Prize details

Matthew Marshall Prize for Classical Guitar Composition

Value:

$500 (subject to available funds)

Closing date:

Mid-year—see details below.

Eligibility

This prize is awarded to the student with the best composition for classical guitar in the Composition programme.

Information

This prize was established in 2014, via the Victoria University Foundation, and is sponsored by Professor Matthew Marshall, classical guitarist, former Head of the Conservatorium of Music at Massey University (later the New Zealand School of Music) and graduate of Victoria University of Wellington. The award is for the best composition for classical guitar and its purpose is to support students studying composition at Te Kôkî The New Zealand School of Music and to encourage a greater understanding and appreciation of the classical guitar.

One prize is awarded annually to a NZSM student enrolled in Composition papers at any level who submits the best composition for classical guitar. The composition may be for solo guitar, multiple guitars, guitar with electronics, or for a chamber ensemble that features the guitar in a prominent role. Duration of the work is to be no less than 4 minutes and no more than 8 minutes.

Entries usually close mid-year. More information, including the online submission form, can be found on the New Zealand School of Music website. Selection will be made by a NZSM judging panel during the mid-year study period. The donor may also have input into the selection process, with the final decision resting with the NZSM. No award shall be made in any year in which the NZSM considers there is no entry of sufficient merit.

The winning work will be prepared and premiered at the annual NZSM Composers Competition (September), to which the donor will be invited. The recipient will also present the work as part of a composer workshop. This may include description of the compositional process and some analysis of the work.

The recipient will be asked to write a letter of appreciation (including a copy of the composition), which will be forwarded to the donor.