NCEM launches Young Composers Award 2025

The National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) has launched its Young Composers Award 2025. This year, participating young composers will be working with baroque instrumental group the Brook Street Band, who will also perform the shortlisted compositions.

Young composers up to the age of 25 are invited to write a short work for two violins, cello and harpsichord, a popular late 17^th and early 18^th century chamber music grouping. Winning works in two age categories, 18 years and under and 19 to 25 years, will be premiered by the Brook Street Band in October 2025 as part of the band’s love:Handel festival and will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3's Early Music Show.

NCEM director Delma Tomlin MBE said: ‘The Young Composers Award is one of the most important dates on the NCEM’s calendar and continues to grow from strength to strength, attracting more and more entries from aspiring young composers from all over the UK. Taking part in the award has been an important step in the careers of many successful composers and we are looking forward to hearing this year’s new compositions.’

Registration for the competition closes on 7 February 2025, with the deadline for submission of scores on 7 March. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an Award Day in York on 15 May where they will participate in a workshop led by NCEM trustees Dr Christopher Fox. The compositions will then be performed by The Brook Street Band at the NCEM’s home in York.

Brook Street Band cellist and director Tatty Theo said: ‘We’re thrilled to have the privilege of working with young composers, giving life to brand new music that will showcase the varied colours and rich character of our old baroque instruments. Handel’s music is at the heart of our music-making, and we cherish this opportunity to explore the creativity it inspires and unleashes in a new young generation of composers.’