ASCAP and Lotte Lehmann Foundation Announce New Song Cycle Competition

December 31, 2004 - A new song cycle competition has been launched by The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and the Lotte Lehmann Foundation to recognize talented young composers who write for the human voice.

Yaddo composer Daron Hagen, the foundation’s President, and ASCAP Vice President and Director of Concert Music Frances Richard jointly announced the creation of the first ASCAP/Lotte Lehmann Foundation Song Cycle Competition. It is named for the legendary soprano Lotte Lehmann.

Winning works will be selected via a juried national competition from amongst eligible composers under the age of 30. First prize will be a $3,500 commission for a song cycle for voice and piano, publication by E.C. Schirmer of the completed work, and performances of the song cycle in three major American cities, including New York. Second prize ($1,000) and third prize ($500) will be awarded to commission two new songs for voice and piano. The deadline for entries is September 15, 2005.

“The Lotte Lehmann Foundation is proud to launch this important competition in partnership with ASCAP,” said Mr. Hagen. “We welcome presenters whose willingness to join in the presentation of multiple performances will fulfill Lehmann’s dream of bringing art song to people everywhere.”

Competition guidelines and the application form can be found at www.ascap.com/concert/lottelehmann.