Two radio stations – one in Australia and one in New Zealand – have launched a competition asking composers to submit original compositions to mark the Centenary of the Gallipoli landings.
The Gallipoli Campaign of 1915 saw French, British and British Empire forces (namely Australia and New Zealand) attempt to open up a new front in the conflict via an invasion of the Ottoman Empire.
It was the first major action that the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac)had fought during the First World War and in terms of proportion to their respective population sizes, both countries suffered a heavy casualty rate.
Australia’s ABC Classics FM and Radio New Zealand Concert have launched theGallipoli Songscompetition by calling on composers to set authentic Gallipoli texts – such as letters and diaries – to music. This material could be from a family or private collection, as well as available in museums and archives.
Prize money of $5,000 dollars will be awarded to the sixGallipoli Songsthat “best communicate the experiences of the original Anzacs and their loved ones”.
The winning compositions will also be professionally performed, recorded and broadcast on Azac Day 2015 (25th April) in Australia and New Zealand.
The judging panel will consist of Australian soprano Merlyn Quaife, composer Elliott Gyger and Stephen Adams from ABC Classic FM alongside Kate Mead from Radio New Zealand Concert and composer Dame Gillian Whitehead.
Source: ABC Classic FM; Radio New Zealand Concert
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News