Halifax/K’jipuktuk, NS – Symphony Nova Scotia is now welcoming applications from women composers across Canada for its fourth commission through the groundbreaking Maria Anna Mozart Award.

Launched in 2016, the Maria Anna Mozart Award supports the work of Canadian women composers, providing $10,000 for Symphony Nova Scotia to commission and perform a new symphonic work by a Canadian woman. The award is the first of its kind in Canada and was made possible through the generosity of Halifax resident and Symphony supporter Dr. Jane Gordon.

Applications for the 2023 Award are now open to emerging or established women composers across Canada. The application deadline is November 1, 2022. For full application information, click here.

“In naming the award,” says Gordon, “I wanted to bring attention to all the women who haven’t been able to have their work performed, sustained, and available. Maria Anna Mozart is a wonderful example of a woman who was a talented composer, but we don’t have any of her music. For me, she symbolizes how difficult it was for women composers to have their compositions endure. I want to give women the opportunity to write music that will not just be created but also performed and celebrated.”

The 2023 Award follows on the presentation of the award in 2022 to Canadian composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, whose work will premiere March 2, 2023. Previous winners have been Dr. Kelly-Marie Murphy and Stacey Brown.

Historically, an extremely small percentage of music programmed by the world’s major orchestras has been written by women. “The Maria Anna Mozart Award is intended to encourage women to write music for symphonic orchestras, and to acknowledge the contributions of outstanding women creators of music,” adds Gordon.

“My hopes for the Maria Anna Mozart Award are not only to provide opportunities for women composers, but also to make them feel encouraged. I want them to know someone is paying attention to their work. I am delighted with Symphony Nova Scotia’s support for this award and their efforts to highlight the contributions of women in music.”

More information about the Maria Anna Mozart Award can be found at symphonynovascotia.ca/award.

About Symphony Nova Scotia
Symphony Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia’s orchestra. With a home base in Halifax and performances across the province, Symphony Nova Scotia is proud to be a vibrant, vital part of Nova Scotia’s rich cultural community. From sold-out orchestral concerts to free family events, youth and seniors’ activities, and educational partnerships, Symphony Nova Scotia creates unforgettable experiences with truly great music. Visit symphonynovascotia.ca to learn more, listen online, or get tickets today!

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For more information, please contact:

Carol Kehoe
Director of Marketing and Communications
Symphony Nova Scotia
902.421.5264
[email protected]