Protonwerk is the platform for contemporary music, created by Ensemble Proton Bern. With the support of Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia we have been working together to inspire the upcoming generation of composers early on in their professional careers. Those interested can apply to receive a commission to write a new work for one of the annual Protonwerk concerts.

General Conditions 

• Not older than 35 years by the time of the application
• Completed undergraduate studies 
• If possible, we will award around half of the commissions to composers of Swiss nationality or who live in Switzerland
• Instrumentation: 8 musicians (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, violin, violoncello), with conductor
• Duration of 10 minutes
• Fee of 2000 Swiss Francs, no further expenses covered

Timeline

• Closing date for applications is 15th October 2022
• Obligatory participation in the Protonwerk-workshop in late 2023 (in special cases via Skype etc.)
• Deadline for Protonwerk No. 13 commissions: 31st November 2023
• The outcome will be notified late November 2022 and the concert will take place in early 2024, performed by Ensemble Proton Bern.  

Application documents

• Two (2) existing scores for chamber music settings (no solo pieces or orchestral works) with audio recording  
• CV
• Application fee of 20.00 Swiss Francs 
• Applications will only be accepted in .pdf (CV & scores) and .mp3 (audio recordings) formats 
• Closing date for applications is 15th October 2022

Contact
Vera Schnider
Please contact us protonwerk@ensembleproton.ch if you have any questions.