The Harold Smart Memorial
Composition Competition 2024
Are you a young composer with a passion for church music? Do you have a creative spark and a desire to share your musical talents with the world? The Harold Smart Memorial Composition Competition is your chance to shine!
About the Competition
The Harold Smart Competition invites individuals 25 and under (as of 1 July 2024) to compose an original anthem. We are looking for fresh, innovative works that inspire and uplift, suitable for performance in a church setting. Whether you are an experienced composer or just starting out, this is an excellent opportunity to showcase your talent and make a significant contribution to sacred music.
Music must be set to the text provided, which has been written by Dr Canon Gordon Giles.
In the upper room’s anxiety
They waited for the Lord
As doubt challenged piety
Confusion caused discord.
With faith and hope eternal
Resurrection music soared.
By hands and feet uncovered
Thomas sought proof indeed;
Fresh wounds that he discovered
Made for resurrection creed.
With faith and hope eternal
Resurrection music soared.
On Emmaus road while walking
Jesus joined their line:
Overhearing all their talking
They bid him come and dine.
With faith and hope eternal
Resurrection music soared.
Prizes
The winner will receive a cash prize of £300, as well as £200 of composition tuition (with an agreed tutor), with the possibility of publication by the RSCM.
Submission Guidelines
- Eligibility: Open to composers under the age of 25 (as of 1 July 2024).
- Composition Requirements:
- Original short anthem for two-part voices composed for a church setting, intended to be performed by a choir of moderate ability.
- Can be accompanied by instrumental or keyboard parts, or unaccompanied.
- Length: under 5 minutes.
- Format: Submit your composition as a PDF, MuseScore, or a Sibelius file. Submitted compositions should not bear the name of the composer or any other identifying information.
- Deadline: All submissions must be received by 31 October 2024
How to Enter
- Submit Your Entry: Email your PDF/Sibelius/MuseScore file to press@rscm.com with the subject line ‘Harold Smart Competition’.
- Include Your Details: In your email, include your name, age, and contact information. These details will not be seen by the adjudicators.
Judging Criteria
Compositions will be judged based on:
- Originality and creativity
- Musicality and technical skill
- Appropriateness for a church setting
- Overall impact and inspiration
The adjudicators for the competition will include Philip Moore, formally director of music at York Minster and himself an eminent composer of church music; Joanna Forbes L’Estrange, one of the RSCM’s best-selling composers; Hugh Morris, director of the RSCM; Sarah MacDonald; Oliver Tarney; and Tim Ruffer, the RSCM’s head of publishing.
Get Involved
Don’t miss this chance to have your music heard and appreciated by a wide audience. Whether you are studying music, participating in a church choir, or simply have a passion for composing, the Harold Smart Memorial Composition Competition is the perfect platform to elevate your work.
Unleash your creativity, inspire the congregation, and let your music be heard!
The Harold Smart Competition – Enabling the future of church music
About Harold Smart
This annual competition, run by the RSCM, was established in 1988 to encourage the composition of simple anthems. Dr Harold Smart was a GP who went on to specialize as an ear, nose and throat surgeon. He was a member of an RSCM affiliated church and had a love of church music but was by no means proficient.