Choral Music
Choral music is a core part of the Female Composers Festival. Here, mixed choirs, women’s choirs, and youth ensembles will be able perform a cappella works and accompanied pieces penned by women across centuries. From medieval chants by Hildegard of Bingen to contemporary SATB compositions, the choral category celebrates the unique strengths of women’s voices—both literal and compositional. Expect rich harmonies, inventive textures, and texts that reflect diverse perspectives on faith, social justice, and personal expression.

Individual Singers and Small Groups
This category shines a spotlight on solo vocalists interpreting art songs, lieder, and contemporary song cycles composed by women. Individual singers bring their own artistry to pieces ranging from classical arias to new works in jazz or experimental idioms. Listening to a soprano perform a song by Ethel Smyth or a quartet premiere a song-cycle by a living female composer, the audience experiences how women’s voices—both as composers and performers—shape the intimate storytelling tradition of solo vocal music.

We welcome:

• Duos, trios, quartets, quintets, etc.
• Small ensembles (6–9 performers of any mix)
• Choirs (10+ singers; mixed, treble, male - voicing need not be gender-based)

In any category, each participant’s 20-minute program must include:

1. One piece from the musical culture of your country
2. One piece from Armenian musical culture
3. One piece by a living female composer
4. One piece by a female composer from the Romantic era or earlier

In addition to the existing requirements, all choirs and ensembles must learn Ethel Smyth’s “Women's March” for massed choir in their festival program. Individual singers may choose whichever vocal part of “Women's March” best fits their range.

Note: For individual singers, requirements #1 and #2 (the cultural-piece components) can be waived. However, all choirs and chamber ensembles must include those two cultural pieces in their programs.

We want to support performers with repertoire needs—scores are available upon request.

While we strongly encourage that 100% of your program be written by women, it is also acceptable to include:

• Anonymous works (if the composer’s identity is unknown)
• Arrangements made by a woman (even if the original composer is male)

Remember, your total performance time must not exceed 20 minutes. We’re looking forward to hearing a rich variety of women’s voices, past and present, in every recital!

1. Short CV (1-2 pages)
Outline musical background, training, and relevant experience.

• Individuals: If you study or work with a teacher, director, or coach, mention them here.
• Ensembles/Choirs: A collective CV listing all members’ names and roles is advisable.

2. Self-Description (150–200 words)
Text for the brochure/website describing your artistic profile.

• Individuals: Include any notable teachers or directors.
• Groups/Choirs: Summarize your ensemble’s history, mission, and style.

3. Conductor’s Bio (150 words max)
Only if your group has a designated conductor.

4. Photo (high-resolution JPEG or PNG)
Individual headshot or ensemble/choir group photo suitable for print and web.

5. Two Performance Samples (total 5–10 minutes; MP3, WAV, or MP4)

• May differ from your intended festival program.
• Must demonstrate technical skill and stylistic range.

6. Repertoire List
Include the list of pieces you plan to perform.
(Scores can be submitted later upon acceptance.)

Submission Instructions:

• Compile your CV, self-description, and (if applicable) conductor’s bio into a single PDF file.
• Create a shared Google Drive folder containing:

1. Your photo (JPEG or PNG)
2. Your two performance samples (MP3, WAV, or MP4)
3. The PDF file (CV + self-description [+ conductor’s bio, if applicable])
4. Your repertoire list

• In your application form/email, include a link to the shared Google Drive folder (with “view” permissions enabled).

Exceptions can be made, no worries!

to be determined

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