MS L
LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC ’ S RUSHWORTH COMPOSITION PRIZE NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Liverpool Philharmonic welcomes applications for the Rushworth Composition Prize ( formerly known as the Christopher Brooks Composition Prize ) in association with the Rushworth Foundation . The prize provides a unique opportunity for an early-career composer aged 18 +, who writes original music , to develop their talent through a wide range of support and guidance from across the music profession .
We are looking for an individual at an early stage of their career as a composer who wants to develop a long-term relationship with Liverpool Philharmonic . All of the previous Prize winners continue to work with us after their year has ended , and benefit from continued support , guidance and commission opportunities .
Entry Criteria To enter , applicants must be 18 and over , write original music and currently live , work or were born in the North West of England ( Merseyside , Cheshire , Greater Manchester , Lancashire , Cumbria ), or be a registered student at a Northwest-based Higher Education institution
How to apply To be considered , applicants must submit a supporting statement , a CV including a list of works and audio recordings and scores of two examples of original works . For full details visit our webpage . Submission can also be made via video .
The Prize The winner will receive £ 1,000 , the opportunity to write a new work for Ensemble 10 / 10 ( Liverpool Philharmonic ’ s contemporary music group ) which will be performed in autumn 2022 , and one year ’ s complimentary membership to The Ivors Academy . This is the UK ’ s leading professional association for music creators .
The winner will also take part in a programme of workshops , masterclasses and mentoring sessions from composers , performers , conductors and other industry professionals associated with Liverpool Philharmonic . The successful applicant will receive further payment for a bespoke programme of activities beyond the sessions related to the Ensemble 10 / 10 commission to support their attendance at Liverpool Philharmonic . The winner will also receive additional opportunities to produce new works and commissions for Liverpool Philharmonic and its associated ensembles .
Carmel Smickersgill , 2018 / 19 winner commented : “ There is no way I would ’ ve been able to get to the place I needed to be without the help I got from everyone who gave me their time , advice and musicianship at Liverpool Philharmonic . There ’ s no other organisation in the North that gives such a brilliant opportunity to composers like me , who are just starting out .”
Peter Garden , Executive Director – Performance and Learning at Liverpool Philharmonic commented “ This prize is a fantastic opportunity for composers in the early stage of their career . It is a key element of Liverpool Philharmonic ’ s mission to support emerging talent from the North West . We pride ourselves on premiering and commissioning more new music than any other UK orchestra , with over 150 new works premiered or commissioned in the last 10 years . I look forward to another year of exciting applications .”
Jonathan Rushworth of the Rushworth Foundation commented “ I am really delighted to support this prize as it enters its seventh year . The Rushworth name has been supporting music and music making in the North West for well over a century . I hope this prize will encourage composers from all over the North West to apply .”
Since it was launched in 2015 , there have been six recipients of the prize : Alex Papp ( 2020 ), Athanasia Kontou ( 2019 ), Carmel Smickersgill ( 2018 ), Grace Evangeline-Mason ( 2017 ), Richard Miller ( 2016 ) and Bethany Morgan-Williams ( 2015 ). Liverpool Philharmonic also supports local composers and songwriters through Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company .
The Rushworth Composition Prize is run in association with the Rushworth Foundation and was formerly known as the Christopher Brooks Composition Prize . It is part of Liverpool Philharmonic ’ s commitment to talent development and commissioning new music .
Applications for the Rushworth Composition Prize close on Wednesday 30 June at 5pm . merseylife . com 21