National Early Music Center Young Composer Award

The annual awards, presented in conjunction with BBC Radio 3, were announced on Sunday 17 November on BBC Radio 3's Early Music Show and BBC Sounds.

This year, young composers will be collaborating with Baroque instrumental group Brook Street Band.

This competition invites composers to compose short works for two violins, cello, and harpsichord.

This group of instruments was one of the most popular forms of late 17th- and early 18th-century chamber music, recalling the music of Purcell, Corelli, Handel, and others.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to be held in York on Thursday 15 May 2025.

Finalists will have the opportunity to attend a daytime workshop.

In the evening, songs will be performed by the Brook Street Band at York's NCEM.

The winning work will be premiered by the Brook Street Band in October 2025 as part of the love:Handel festival.

“We are thrilled to have Brook Street Band as a partner for the 2025 Young Composers Awards,” said NCEM Director Delma Tomlin.

“Not only is this ensemble one of the leading representatives of Handel's music, it has also established its own festival love:Handel, where the 2025 prize-winning works will be performed.”

Brook Street Band cellist and director Tatti Teo said: “We are thrilled to be working with these young composers to bring to life brand new music that showcases the rich color and rich personality of this ancient Baroque instrument. I'm happy,” he said. ”

Registration closes at noon on February 7, 2025, and the deadline to submit scores is March 7.

Details of the terms and conditions and how to enter the NCEM Young Composers Award 2025 can be found at https://www.youngcomposersaward.co.uk or by emailing info.composers@ncem.co.uk.