Liverpool Philharmonic announces winner of Rushworth Composition Prize

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO) has revealed composer Andrew Barney as winner of the annual Rushworth Composition Prize in the award’s 10^th year. Barney receives a £1,000 cash prize and membership to the Ivors Academy, as well as access to a year-long development programme with the Liverpool Philharmonic.​

As well as participating in a programme of masterclasses, workshops, and mentoring sessions delivered by experts associated with the RLPO, Barney will write a new work for Ensemble 10:10, the orchestra’s contemporary music group, in the autumn of 2026. A Highly Commended prize was also awarded to composer Aaron Breeze, who will have one of his compositions performed by Ensemble 10:10 in the 2025-26 season.

Barney said: ‘This opportunity is life-changing and a dream come true for me. I always knew deep down that music was my true calling but felt too scared to fully embrace it. For the first time, I genuinely believe in my potential as a composer and musician. The chance to have my music performed by the incredible Ensemble 10:10 is absolutely priceless and is the start of an exciting new chapter in my life. As a member of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, I’ve had the honour of performing alongside the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and now I will have the unique opportunity to develop a closer relationship with the musicians I’ve long admired. I’m also incredibly excited to work with Stephen Pratt, whose mentorship will be invaluable as I navigate my journey as a composer. I’m profoundly grateful for this opportunity and excited for what lies ahead.’

Born and raised on Merseyside, Andrew draws on his West African, Caribbean, and Irish heritage when composing. In 2024 he made a complete career change, choosing to pursue a career as a musician and composer. He is currently pianist in residence with Liverpool’s newly formed Arts Bar Orchestra (ABO) and has recently been selected as an artist in residence for the prestigious Leeds Opera North Resonance Programme in 2025. He is also a mentee in the 2025 Ivors Academy’s Co:Pilot programme.