If selected, the composer will give permission for their work to be used in perpetuity as part of the PORTRAITS project, or as an individual piece independent of the work. Composers may submit works from their existing repertoire, or a sample or sketch of a proposed work to be developed should the composer be selected. Other instruments may be included as optional solo or chamber ensemble. The work may be a cappella or with piano accompaniment. Pieces for consideration should be 3-6 minutes in length, scored for TTBB chorus, with optional vocal solo(s). The music and text of the piece will tell an aspect of the human experience, inspired by the artwork of the composer’s choosing from the PORTRAITS exhibit, with the lyrics supporting the original intent behind the artwork. Each movement will feature one of the nine artworks from the PORTRAITS exhibit, brought to life aurally by the music, and visually though dance. PORTRAITS will represent through visual art, music, and dance, the spectrum of sexual, gender, racial, ethnic, and cultural identities in a nine-movement oratorio performed by GMCW and 17th Street Dance. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC (GMCW) is seeking original music to be included as part of the PORTRAITS project to be premiered June 2024.
