Department of Education & Cultural Affairs
South Dakota Arts Council
For Release: June 28, 2002
Contact: Michael Pangburn, Assistant Director, 605/773-3131 or 800/423-6665

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., in association with the South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC), are commissioning a chamber work by a resident South Dakota composer. This is one of many projects resulting from the National Symphony Orchestra American Residency in South Dakota in March 2002. The deadline to submit proposals is August 30, 2002. 

The NSO and the Kennedy Center Education Department are primarily interested in a composition which reflects the spirit of the people of South Dakota and which will serve as an extension of the Orchestra's residency. Dennis Holub, South Dakota Arts Council Executive Director, said, "This commission provides a rare opportunity for a South Dakota composer to reach new musicians and audiences out of state." The South Dakota composer selected will receive a commission award of $5,000. Music copying, commissioning fees, and the composer's travel expenses are included in this amount.

A panel of music experts convened by the SDAC will narrow the application to three finalists. A NSO jury will make the final selection of a South Dakota composer for the commission. Contact SDAC at 605/773-3131 or in state toll free at 800/423-6665 for proposal guidelines, which outline application procedures and selection criteria. Guidelines are also available on SDAC's Web site (www.state.sd.us/deca/sdarts).

Once the work is completed, a chamber group will give the world premiere of the commissioned piece at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. "We are delighted to add South Dakota to the series of chamber music commissions resulting from the American Residency program," said NSO General Manager Rita Shapiro. "This project allows us to present -- at the nation's center for the performing arts -- a sampling of the musical creativity taking place throughout the country."

The South Dakota Arts Council is the governing board of the Office of Arts, a State agency of the Department of Education and Cultural Affairs. The Arts Council's mission is to provide grants and services, with funds contributed by the National Endowment for the Arts and the State of South Dakota, to artists and arts organizations throughout the state.

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