The third edition of the 'Traditional Music for New Music' contest focuses on a song collected by Alan Lomax in 1952. It distributes €6,000 in prizes.
The Lola Pérez Rivera Foundation has launched the third edition of its composition competition 'Traditional Music for New Music', an initiative that invites contemporary creators to reinterpret traditional musical heritage. This time, the chosen piece is 'A pasar el Trébole', a Leonese tune that the American ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax recorded in Castrillo de los Polvazares in November 1952.
The song is part of the book 'Alan Lomax in the Province of León. Study and transcription of the recordings', published in 2024 by the foundation itself. The previous two editions of the competition were dedicated to Arandina tunes: 'La bodega de Navarrete' and 'Mira que te mira el pueblo'. With this third call, the contest expands its geographical scope to the Leonese tradition.
Participants must present an original and unpublished composition inspired by this piece. The rules allow for free use of its melody, rhythm, or text, as well as adapting the instrumentation, incorporating or not the voice, and using electronic and digital resources. There are no age or nationality restrictions, and participation can be either individual or in groups.
The competition will distribute €6,000 in prizes. The winner will receive €2,000; the second place will get €1,500; the third, €1,000; and the other three finalists will each receive €500. The submission period for works will be open from September 23 to October 14 through the Lola Pérez Rivera Foundation's website.
After the deadline, the accepted compositions will undergo a public vote from October 20 to November 2, from which three finalists will emerge. The other three will be selected by a jury composed of professionals from the music field. The final will be held on November 7 in Aranda de Duero, with a concert open to the public where the six finalists will perform their works live.
This contest will conclude the IV Practical Days of the 'Traditional Music & Current Music' cycle, which the foundation will organise on November 6 and 7 in collaboration with the Aranda de Duero City Council. The days will be titled 'Everything is music: sound as essence, image as expression'.
For composers interested in traditional music and contemporary creation, this call represents an opportunity to explore the dialogue between ethnomusicological heritage and new trends. The tune 'A pasar el Trébole', rescued by Alan Lomax, offers a rich foundation to work on, with almost total creative freedom.
The foundation, named after journalist and writer Lola Pérez Rivera, has promoted projects linking oral tradition with current creation since its inception. This competition is an example of how intangible heritage can serve as inspiration for new works, keeping the sound memory of the province of León alive.
Those interested should consult the complete rules on the foundation's official website before submitting their work. The deadline is tight but sufficient to develop an original composition. The final concert on November 7 will undoubtedly be a showcase of the creativity that arises from tradition.
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