In partnership with CBC Radio 2 and Espace musique (CBC’s French-language music radio service), The Banff Centre will welcome the five Evolution finalists to Banff from March 2 to 27 for a creative residency. During the residency, each finalist will complete and rehearse a new musical composition, to be performed during a final concert at the Centre on March 27 and broadcast live on CBC Radio 2, and through online audio and video streaming.

Canadians across the country will be invited to take part in Evolution by accessing CBC/Radio-Canada online audio and video coverage, and blogs describing the creative residency at The Banff Centre.

“Evolution will not only support Canada’s top emerging composers,” says the Centre’s director of music programs Barry Shiffman. “It will also provide an opportunity to experience the creative process, to get a glimpse behind the scenes as musicians and composers work together to conceive a new work. It is a perfect match with the Centre’s mandate to enable, support, and showcase the work of Canadian artists.”

Evolution is open to Canadian composers between the ages of 19 and 35. Each finalist will receive a $5000 prize and be eligible for the $20,000 grand prize, funded and awarded by the Canada Council for the Arts and CBC/Radio-Canada.

For more information and to watch and listen to the composers at work: www.cbc.ca/evolution