Cheltenham Music Festival announces return of Composer Academy

Cheltenham Music Festival has announced the return of its programme for early-career composers. Relaunched as part of the festivals 80^th anniversary celebrations, the five-day Composer Academy will take place at Syde Manor in Gloucestershire, alongside the Festival itself.

The programme, which was put on hiatus in 2023, will run from 7 to 11 July following the securing of funding from the Vaughan Williams Foundation, the PRS Foundation and others. It is open to participants aged 18 and above from any and all backgrounds, and no formal education in composition is necessary.  Applications open online on 25 April and close on 12 May.

Festival director Jack Bazalgette said: ‘We’re looking for people with a real passion for launching a career in composition. Applicants should have some prior experience of creating music, and an interest in working with classical forms and ensembles, but otherwise the only requirement is exciting, dynamic ideas for great music! Composer Academy is all about inspiring and enabling development and growth for promising fresh talent. It’s a really unique opportunity for new composers to meet like-minded people, experience remarkable music and learn an amazing amount – all in the space of a week and in the context of one of the world’s most respected festivals.’

Led by composer and academy alumnus Daniel Kidane, composers on the programme will participate in workshops, performances, sessions and talks before writing a short work for vocal group the Carice Singers and conductor, George Parris. This will premiere at a showcase concert which will also feature Q&A sessions, offering composers the chance to receive feedback on their work.