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.

Since the beginning, Ensemble Proton Bern has launched a Protonwerk "special" every other year. While the "normal" editions are dedicated to contemporary music, the ensemble puts the focus on cross-disciplinary arts in these other editions. Protonwerk No. 14 wants to discover the exciting interaction between video art and contemporary music. To this end, we are simultaneously running two calls for scores and videos (composition & video art). The selected composers will have the opportunity to choose from a short list of different art videos they would like to set to music.
 

Video artists can apply with existing art videos. A shortlist of selected art videos will then be made available to the selected composers in oder to start their compositions on the videos.

The compositions will be written for the instrumentation of Ensemble Proton Bern: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Harp, Synthesizer, Violin, Violoncello. The video will be projected in the concert while the Ensemble Proton Bern is playing the composition.

Application documents 

• video artists can submit 1-3 videos
• each video must be submitted in a separate link. Links to multiple videos or general video platforms are not accepted
• if original sound is present in the video, it will not be taken into account in the judging and will not be used further.
• the duration of the video: 7 - 13 minutes

Fee

• If the video is shortlisted and selected by a composer, a fee of 300 CHF will be paid for a total of 2-3 screenings.
• After the project, the video artist is allowed to use the composition in combination with the video for other purposes.
• Application and submission is free

Guidelines and timeline

• Closing date for applications is 31th October 2023
• applications can only be submitted via the online platform 442hz
• The selection of the video shortlist will be announced at the end of November 2023.
• The concerts Protonwerk No. 14 will take place in spring 2025, performed by Ensemble Proton Bern.

Contact
Nadia Meyer
Please contact us protonwerk@ensembleproton.ch if you have any questions.