The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) and San Francisco Symphony are partnering for a major new initiative, The Emerging Black Composers Project. The project aims to support the development of Black American composers who are early in their career. Composers selected to be a part of the project will collectively produce 10 new works in 10 years, with the first commission debuting in the 2021-2022 season.

The project is part of larger plan from SFCM, which also encompasses a partnership with the SFCM President’s Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion. “San Francisco Conservatory of Music is embarking on a series of ambitious projects designed to elevate Black voices and expand the American canon,” said Conservatory President David H. Stull. “When Black talent is nurtured, we strengthen our culture of excellence, and we look forward to deepening the impact of The Emerging Black Composers Project through this partnership with San Francisco Symphony.”

Selected applicants will receive a $15,000 commission, workshops and performances at San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and mentorship from Oakland Symphony Music Director and SFCM faculty member Michael Morgan, SFCM Music Director Edwin Outwater, and SF Symphony Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, who is a leading composer as well.

Applications are currently being accepted, the deadline being December 31, 2020. Applications are encouraged from all Black American composers who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have completed a degree program in composition or music performance or have equivalent experience.

Applicants must submit a resume along with three scores and recordings of past or current compositions reflective of their work.

Application for the Emerging Black Composers Project can be found here.