Choral Arts New England is excited to announce the opening of the application period for the first David Hoose Commissioning Grant. 

The David Hoose Commissioning Grant honors and continues David’s vision by supporting the commissioning of new choral music with instrumental accompaniment.  The grant is supported by a fund raised by dedicated donors from across the choral community who wish to perpetuate and grow his contributions to choral music.  Choral Arts New England is honored to award this grant.

David has been an energetic force in the development of choral music in New England.  As Music Director of the Cantata Singers for thirty-eight years, he brought deep musical insight, unique programming, and expertise that inspired musicians and listeners alike.  A major part of his musical legacy was the championing of commissioned works for chorus and orchestra, adding new and substantive compositions to the choral repertoire.  For more information on David’s history and his dedication to new commissions for choral works with orchestral ensemble, see https://www.cantatasingers.org/davidhoose

Choral Arts New England has set the initial grant amount at $5,000.  It is anticipated that the grant will be made every two years.  Applications for the inaugural granting of this award open May 1, 2024, and must be submitted prior to August 1, 2024.  [link to application]

Grants are intended to encourage compositions that broaden the choral repertory rather than merely increase it, and honor David’s legacy, which includes support for many types of music, including music that:

• Is adventurous
• Is ambitious
• Encourages performance at the highest level
• Reaches beyond the expected
• May reflect a social or political focus, not settling for the easy message
• Encourages cross-cultural understanding

Criteria for evaluating grants are intentionally broad; all applications will be carefully considered though only one grant will be awarded.  For more information concerning the grant, see [link to CANE website page with guidelines].