[Call for Scores] Takaaki SHIBAT ‘A Mandolin with’

(In collaboration with Rosetta)
Deadline: 31 Dec 2025

‘A Mandolin with’ is a creative project spearheaded by mandolinist Takaki Shibata, aiming to pioneer new possibilities for chamber music featuring the mandolin.

While the mandolin boasts a significant history in Europe, its position within the contemporary music landscape is not yet firmly established, leading to a limited creation of new repertoire. However, plucked string instruments, such as the lute, guitar, and Japanese shamisen or biwa, have consistently played vital roles in music throughout history, not only in Western traditions but across the globe.

The mandolin, sharing the same range as the violin, is an instrument that is both composer-friendly and possesses remarkable adaptability and unique charm within chamber music settings. This project aims to shed light on these possibilities, aspiring to establish the mandolin as an important choice in musical creation and to firmly build its status.

The recitals linked to this project will feature programs structured around two main pillars:

-Existing works featuring the mandolin, composed from classical to contemporary periods.
-New works created specifically for this project.

Through these diverse compositions, we aim to reconfirm the mandolin’s historical journey while expanding its potential in the music of the future.

Project Outcomes and Future Schedule

The results of this project will be presented over three years, starting in 2025, with concerts planned around April each year. The program for each year will feature the following instrumentations:

1. April 2025 Concert (Concluded)
   Theme: “with Voices/Winds”
   Chamber music featuring wind instruments, voice, and mandolin. The adopted work from our open call was ‘Lunar Rendezvous’ by Adam Beiter.
2. Scheduled for April 2026 Concert (Call for Scores launched in 2025)
   Theme: “with Bowed Strings”
   Chamber music featuring string instruments (violin, viola, cello) and mandolin.
3. Scheduled for April 2027 Concert (Call for Scores to be launched in 2026)
   Theme: “with Mixed Instruments/Voices”
   Chamber music featuring mandolin with a mix of wind, string, percussion instruments, and voice.

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2025 Call for Scores

For the year 2025, we are inviting submissions for “with Bowed Strings” chamber music, featuring string instruments and mandolin. Please review the following application guidelines before submitting your work.

1. Instrumentation
   Mandolin with a duo, trio or quartet formation, including the mandolin and more than one of the following instruments:
   -Violin
   -Viola
   -Violoncello
   *Maximum one player per instrument.
2. Notes on Notation and Performance
   For mandolin family instruments, clearly indicate tremolo and picking techniques.
   For violin family instruments, clearly indicate arco and pizzicato techniques.
3. Application Rules
   Duration: There are no time limits (the length of the piece will not affect the selection process).
   Deadline: December 31, 2025
   Fees & Age Limit: No application fees or age restrictions.
   Eligibility: Works that have already been publicly presented are not eligible.
   Notation: Any notation method is acceptable. However, any textual explanations or instructions must be in Japanese or English (or both). (Common musical terms like Italian in the score are permissible.)
   Submissions: One submission per person.
   Results: Selection results will be announced on Takaki Shibata’s official website by January 31, 2026.
   Selection: Approximately 2-3 works will be selected.
   Compensation: No monetary compensation will be provided to selected applicants.
   Copyright & Premiere: All rights to the submitted work, including copyright, will remain with the composer. However, you agree to grant this project the exclusive performing right for the premiere performance at the Takaki Shibata Mandolin Recital on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
   Rehearsals: Rehearsals will take place in the Kansai region of Japan (primarily Kyoto). For creators of selected works residing in distant locations, rehearsals will be conducted via recording correspondence or online meetings.
   Composer Invitation: Selected composers are invited to attend the premiere concert; however, all travel and accommodation expenses must be covered by the creator. A recording of the premiere performance will be provided to all selected composers.
4. How to Apply
   Applications are primarily accepted via the Google Form linked at the bottom of this page.
   Submissions by postal mail are not accepted.
   Please note: A Google account is required to use the Google Form. If you reside in a country where Google services are unavailable, or if you find it difficult to create a Google account, please contact us via email at shibatakatan*gmail.com. (please replace * with @)
   
   The following file is required for application:
   PDF Score File
   File size must be 10MB or less.
   The file name should be in half-width alphanumeric characters in the format: WorkTitle_ApplicantLastName.pdf.
   For larger files or files including audio: If your graphic-rich score or a file containing audio exceeds 10MB, please upload it to a site with no viewing period restrictions (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox). Then, attach a PDF file to the form that contains the permanent shared link to your main score/audio file.
   
5. If you encounter any issues with file sharing or have questions, please contact us in advance at shibatakatan*gmail.com. (please replace * with @).