The SOCAN Foundation has announced the creation of a new award for mid-career composers, in memory of Lori Davies (1939-2021).
Lori Davies had a deep connection to the genres of dance, opera, and music theatre, serving many years on the board of Manitoba Opera, and as the Executive Director of the Screen Composers Guild of Canada (formerly known as the Guild of Canadian Film Composers) from 2001-2004. Davies’ vision enabled the organization to expand its mandate to become truly national in scope, with the well-articulated goal of representing all AV music composers in Canada. She was also the wife and business partner of longtime SOCAN and SOCAN Foundation board member, Victor Davies.
The $5,000 CAD Lori Davies Composition Award will go to one composer annually, selected by a prominent jury of Canadian music creators and industry representatives. Applicants will be evaluated by their demonstration of excellence, within the following criteria:
- Past training and experience in the areas of music for dance, opera, or musical theatre, as summarized in a CV.
- A PDF upload of a score, and a link to a recording/video of a dance, opera, or musical theatre work that has received professional premiere within the last three calendar years prior to the Award deadline.
- A statement of no more than 750 words that describes the composer’s mid-career profile, and how the Award would be used to help advance the applicant’s career.
The jury will specifically assess the composer’s ability to shape their music to effectively capture narrative or dramatic storytelling elements. Any SOCAN members are eligible to apply, as long as they are citizens, landed immigrants, or permanent residents of Canada, and are not on the SOCAN or SOCAN Foundation boards.
“We’re excited to honour well-deserving mid-career composers in the often-overlooked genres of dance, opera, and musical theatre, while celebrating the amazing legacy of Lori Davies. We hope that the succinct application we’ve created will eliminate barriers to apply,” said Charlie Wall-Andrews, Executive Director of SOCAN Foundation.
For more information about the SOCAN Foundation and the Lori Davies Composition Award, access www.socanfoundation.ca.