International Sacred Music Competition for Composers

Performance Date: August 14, 2010
Composer Submission Deadline: March 19, 2010

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Rules and Guidelines
Category I: Non-Liturgical Sacred Choral Works
Category II: Mass Settings for the New English Translation
Required Text Options for Non-Liturgical Sacred Choral Works Category
Text for Mass Setting for the New English Translation

Rules and Guidelines
The Foundation for Sacred Arts is pleased to announce our first international composition competition in sacred music. There are two categories: Category I: Non-Liturgical Sacred Choral Works and Category II Mass Settings for the New English Translation. Three cash prizes for each category totalling $14,000 will be awarded.

Entrants should submit three bound scores and three CDs containing a recording(s) of the submitted work(s) (quality MIDI realizations are acceptable) by March 19th, 2010 to the address below. For those submitting works in both Categories I and II, entrants must separate Category I submissions from Category II submissions by providing three CDs for each category. Entrants also should not bind Category I and Category II scores into one binding.

The judging process is blind, therefore none of the scores or recordings submitted may include the composer’s name or any biographical information. Scores and CDs should be marked with a single representative symbol. A sealed envelope containing the biographical and contact information for the composer should be marked only with the corresponding symbol. The entry materials will be opened and sorted at the Foundation home office, and subsequently repacked and sent (without the sealed identification envelope or original packaging materials) to the judges in question. Entrants submitting in both categories should include separate marks of identification for each category and separate envelopes bearing these marks for each category.

*** Note: Please include a return address on the original mailing envelope.
*** There are no age restrictions.

Winners will be announced at the end of May 2010. The first-, second-, and third-place winning works in each category will be performed at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on August 14. Winning composers are expected to attend.

Please send all materials to:

International Sacred Music Competition for Composers
The Foundation for Sacred Arts
1413 K Street, NW
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20005

Please send all questions to our Music Coordinator, Mark Nowakowski, at mark@thesacredarts.org

About the Competition
The purpose of the contest is to uncover new composers and works of the highest quality in the realm of sacred music. Prizes of $4,000, $2,000, and $1,000 for first-, second-, and third-place will be awarded in both categories, with the possibility of honorable mentions. The Foundation reserves the right not to award a prize at its own discretion. All first-, second-, and third-place pieces will be premiered and recorded at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception by the Shrine’s all professional Choir of the Basilica under the direction of Director of Music, Dr. Peter Latona. The concert will take place during the Foundation’s National Sacred Art Conference. Winning compositions - as well works that show particular merit - will be considered for publication by the Foundation for Sacred Arts. By entering the competition, composers - while retaining full control of their music - agree to submit their work for our 2010 online publication initiative.

Before beginning work, composers are encouraged to visit The Foundation for Sacred Arts’ website (www.thesacredarts.org) to browse articles, papal writings, our music pages, and other related materials to help guide their creative process.

For continually updated information regarding the new liturgy, please visit the official USCCB website at: http://www.usccb.org/romanmissal/

Category I: Non-Liturgical Sacred Choral Works
Entrants are asked to compose an SATB setting * on one of the seven texts included in the Required Texts outlined later in this document. Pieces must be a minimum of six minutes in length and may be up to 15 minutes in length. Works may be with organ accompaniment or a cappella. Entrants may submit a maximum of three pieces.

We ask that you keep in mind the following points:

a) This being sacred music, the text is of paramount importance. Textual clarity should be of prime consideration.

b) The lifting of the soul into prayer should be among the primary goals of any piece entered into this competition.

* Additional vocal lines are permitted.

Category II: Mass Settings for the New English Translation
Category II is in response to the need for new musical settings for the upcoming new English Mass translation to be instituted in Catholic liturgies in English speaking countries (2011) and in response to recent papal statements.

1) Entrants are encouraged to write new settings for the 21st century that fulfill Pope Benedict XVI's statement, "An authentic updating of sacred music can take place only in the lineage of the great tradition of the past, of Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony." (In this quote, Pope Benedict is referring to music composed specifically for the Liturgy)

2) Composers should adhere to the upcoming changes in the English language Mass. The settings can be for the following Ordinary texts of the Mass but need not include the Creed, acclamations, or Amen:

Lord Have Mercy/Kyrie
Gloria
Alleluia/Gospel Acclamation (with composed chant tone(s) to accommodate Gospel verses)*
Creed
Holy, Holy, Holy
Memorial Acclamations A, B, and C
Amen
Lamb of God

3) Settings may or may not be composed with organ accompaniment. If a capella settings are used, composers should consider providing a keyboard reduction for rehearsal.

4) Entrants may submit a maximum of two Mass settings.

5) The settings can be scored for choir only, choir in alternation with the assembly, or wholly for the assembly as supported by the choir. It must be of a practical length where liturgical use is concerned. While we are seeking the highest level of craft and musical expression, we are also concerned with Mass settings that are viable in Catholic parishes. As such, the Mass should be within the ability of a trained church choir.

6) Composers should show familiarity with Church teachings on the proper use and construction of music for the Mass. Please visit our link, "A Basic Guide to Composing for the Mass".

7) “Popular” styles for the settings should be avoided.
8) The submitted CD recording may be a recording of full or reduced choir, or midi realization.

**A Note on Latin Settings**
Since this competition is concerned entirely with the new English text of the Mass, composers are asked not to submit Latin alternates or variant sections. This being said, winning composers will be given the opportunity to include a Latin alternate in their final, publishable version.

For further helpful guidance on composing a Mass for liturgical use, visit A Basic Guide to Composing a Setting for the Mass (see sidebar on this page).

USCCB guidelines concerning the new English Mass translation, including study guides, can be found at the following website: http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/missalformation/

For further education in sacred music we invite you to visit the website of the Church Music Association of America at http://www.musicasacra.com/.

Entering composers agree to submit their works for the Foundation's 2010 online publication initiative. Composers will retain full control of their works, however the Foundation retains the right to publish winning works as well as those showing considerable merit.

About the Foundation, and Further Information
The Foundation for Sacred Arts is a Catholic nonprofit organization which has been founded to encourage and inspire the production and promotion of sacred arts for the glory of God and the transformation of society.

Further information, musical guidance, and items of interest to creative artists can be found at our website, www.thesacredarts.org.

Required Text Options for Non-Liturgical
Sacred Choral Works Category
Word and phrase repetition is acceptable.
Biblical texts may use the Revised Standard Version, Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, New American Bible, Jerusalem Bible, or Douay-Rheims translations.

1) The Nicene Creed -- To be used in whole or in part (In Latin or English; Latin option followed by English translation option )

Credo in unum Deum,
Patrem omnipoténtem,
factórem cæli et terræ,
visibílium ómnium et invisibílium.
Et in unum Dóminum Iesum Christum,
Fílium Dei Unigénitum,
et ex Patre natum ante ómnia sæcula.
Deum de Deo, lumen de lúmine, Deum verum de Deo vero,
génitum, non factum, consubstantiálem Patri:
per quem ómnia facta sunt.
Qui propter nos hómines et propter nostram salútem
descéndit de cælis.
Et incarnátus est de Spíritu Sancto
ex María Vírgine, et homo factus est.
Crucifíxus étiam pro nobis sub Póntio Piláto;
passus, et sepúltus est,
et resurréxit tértia die, secúndum Scriptúras,
et ascéndit in cælum, sedet ad déxteram Patris.
Et íterum ventúrus est cum glória,
iudicáre vivos et mórtuos,
cuius regni non erit finis.
Et in Spíritum Sanctum, Dóminum et vivificántem:
qui ex Patre Filióque procédit.
Qui cum Patre et Fílio simul adorátur et conglorificátur:
qui locútus est per prophétas.
Et unam, sanctam, cathólicam et apostólicam Ecclésiam.
Confíteor unum baptísma in remissiónem peccatorum.
Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum,
et vitam ventúri sæculi. Amen

I believe in one God,
the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate
of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
And one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

2) Rev 19: 4-9: (to be used in whole or in part)

The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, "Amen. Alleluia."

A voice coming from the throne said: "Praise our God, all you his servants, (and)
you who revere him, small and great. "

Then I heard something like the sound of a great multitude or the sound of rushing water or mighty peals of thunder, as they said: "Alleluia! The Lord has established his reign, (our) God, the almighty.

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory. For the wedding day of the Lamb has come, his bride has made herself ready.

She was allowed to wear a bright, clean linen garment." (The linen represents the righteous deeds of the holy ones.)

Then the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These words are true; they come from God."

3) Zephaniah 9:

"Yea, at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord."

4) John 6:54-55, 58

"He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live for ever."

5) Psalm 139: 13-15

You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb.
I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew; my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth.

6) Stabat Mater, Blessed Jacopone da Todi — To be used in whole or in part (Latin option followed by English lyrical translation option )

LATIN
Stabat mater dolorosa
iuxta Crucem lacrimosa,
dum pendebat Filius.

Cuius animam gementem,
contristatam et dolentem
pertransivit gladius.

O quam tristis et afflicta
fuit illa benedicta,
mater Unigeniti!

Quae maerebat et dolebat,
pia Mater, dum videbat
nati poenas inclyti.

Quis est homo qui non fleret,
matrem Christi si videret
in tanto supplicio?

Quis non posset contristari
Christi Matrem contemplari
dolentem cum Filio?

Pro peccatis suae gentis
vidit Iesum in tormentis,
et flagellis subditum.

Vidit suum dulcem Natum
moriendo desolatum,
dum emisit spiritum.
Eia, Mater, fons amoris
me sentire vim doloris
fac, ut tecum lugeam.

Fac, ut ardeat cor meum
in amando Christum Deum
ut sibi complaceam.

Sancta Mater, istud agas,
crucifixi fige plagas
cordi meo valide.

Tui Nati vulnerati,
tam dignati pro me pati,
poenas mecum divide.

Fac me tecum pie flere,
crucifixo condolere,
donec ego vixero.

Iuxta Crucem tecum stare,
et me tibi sociare
in planctu desidero.

Virgo virginum praeclara,
mihi iam non sis amara,
fac me tecum plangere.

Fac, ut portem Christi mortem,
passionis fac consortem,
et plagas recolere.

Fac me plagis vulnerari,
fac me Cruce inebriari,
et cruore Filii.

Flammis ne urar succensus,
per te, Virgo, sim defensus
in die iudicii.

Christe, cum sit hinc exire,
da per Matrem me venire
ad palmam victoriae.

Quando corpus morietur,
fac, ut animae donetur
paradisi gloria. Amen.

ENGLISH
At the Cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful Mother weeping,
close to Jesus to the last.

Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,
all His bitter anguish bearing,
now at length the sword has passed.

O how sad and sore distressed
was that Mother, highly blest,
of the sole-begotten One.

Christ above in torment hangs,
she beneath beholds the pangs
of her dying glorious Son.

Is there one who would not weep,
whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ's dear Mother to behold?

By the Cross with thee to stay,
there with thee to weep and pray,
is all I ask of thee to give.

For the sins of His own nation,
She saw Jesus wracked with torment,
All with scourges rent:

She beheld her tender Child,
Saw Him hang in desolation,
Till His spirit forth He sent.

Can the human heart refrain
from partaking in her pain,
in that Mother's pain untold?

O thou Mother! fount of love!
Touch my spirit from above,
make my heart with thine accord:

Make me feel as thou hast felt;
make my soul to glow and melt
with the love of Christ my Lord.

Holy Mother! pierce me through,
in my heart each wound renew
of my Savior crucified:

Let me share with thee His pain,
who for all my sins was slain,
who for me in torments died.

Let me mingle tears with thee,
mourning Him who mourned for me,
all the days that I may live:

Let me, to my latest breath,
in my body bear the death
of that dying Son of thine.

Virgin of all virgins blest!,
Listen to my fond request:
let me share thy grief divine;

Wounded with His every wound,
steep my soul till it hath swooned,
in His very Blood away;

Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
lest in flames I burn and die,
in His awful Judgment Day.
Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence,
by Thy Mother my defense,
by Thy Cross my victory;

When my body dies,
let my soul be granted
the glory of Paradise. Amen.
Stabat mater dolorosa
iuxta Crucem lacrimosa,
dum pendebat Filius.