Dark in the Song Bassoon Composition Prize

Congratulations to JP Dreblow, the winner of the 2020 Dark in the Song Bassoon Composition Prize. His bassoon duo Les Blindes, or “The Armored Ones” was chosen from over 20 entries by composers from throughout the world.

JP received a cash prize of $500 and members of Dark in the Song will premiere his work at the 2021 summer workshop.

JP Dreblow is a composer and educator based in St. Paul, Minnesota. He holds a B.Mus in Composition, having studied with Dr. Leonard Danek, and is keyboardist for the indie band Poolboy. Employed as a special education teacher and holding a master’s degree in that field, JP is passionate about equity and creativity in learning.

A collective of leading American bassoonists dedicated to the creation of new works for the instrument announces the second Dark in the Song Composition Prize. This year’s competition is for bassoon duos.

THE WINNING ENTRY WILL RECEIVE:

  • $500 cash prize
  • World Premiere Performance by Dark in the Song at the NewBassoon Workshop, August, 2020 in Chestertown, MD
  • Audio and video recording of the performance

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • Original work for two bassoons or two bassoons and electronics
  • The work must not have had its premiere in any form
  • The work must be five or more minutes in length, and can be a single movement or multiple movements

The deadline for submission is July 1, 2020. There is a $20 entry fee. Submissions will be judged by members of Dark in the Song and the winner announced July 15, 2020.

ABOUT DARK IN THE SONG

Called a “bassoon supergroup” by the American Music Center, Dark in the Song is: Rachael Elliott (Clogs, Longy School of Music of Bard College), Michael Harley (Alarm Will Sound, University of South Carolina), Lynn Hileman (Tuple, West Virginia University), Peter Kolkay (Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Vanderbilt University), and Saxton Rose (Zéphyros Winds, University of North Carolina School of the Arts). Members are also part of the Rushes Ensemble, formed to record and perform composer Michael Gordon’s pioneering concert-length work for seven bassoons, Rushes.