The Juurilla Commissioning Grant

For the 2021-2022 season, Versoi Ensemble seeks to award 7 composers commissioning grants each to compose a work inspired by their nationality, furthering our mission in Cultural Diplomacy Through Chamber Music. 

“Juurilla” is a Finnish word meaning “at the roots”. Versoi Ensemble wishes to inspire composers around the world to share their cultural roots and heritage through music. We are looking for original and passionate creative artists who have something unique to share with the world.

Guidelines

We welcome applications from composers of all nationalities, ethnicities, and genders above age 21 as of May 1st, 2021. We will be looking to select at least one American and one Finnish composer of the 7 commissions. 

The selected composers will compose a work for string trio, quartet or viola quintet, based on their own preference. The compositions must be 3 to 5 minutes in length and acoustic, without electronic effects. They must be specifically composed for The Juurilla Commissioning Grant, and cannot have been performed or recorded previously. 

Each selected composer will receive:

• a stipend of $1,000.00 USD
• performances of their original work in Finland and the USA
• a recording of the premiere
• listing on our website and social media