JAM’s free Call for Music is open for composers to submit scores for SATB choir, brass quintet and organ, or any combination of these forces, for performance at JAM’s 25th anniversary concert, Music of Our Time, on 26th March, at St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street. Submitted music will be performed alongside JAM commissions in a glittering display of new British music. Full guidelines and how to submit can be found at www.jamconcert.org.
JAM’s Call is a rare opportunity for composers to have music professionally performed and filmed, in central London, to an audience of general public, media and music industry. Many successful submittees have enjoyed repeat performances, enhanced profile, commissions and/or been published through the networking opportunity the performance day provides. Performers include the Chapel Choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge and Onyx Brass.
2025 marks JAM’s 25th anniversary of nurturing, commissioning and promoting new music; enabling composers of all ages to flourish, sustaining this under-supported genre and swelling the repertoire. Over 2,400 works have been submitted since 2000. Since launch, JAM has given performances of over 180 new pieces of music, either submitted to or commissioned by JAM, including works by Judith Bingham, Jonathan Dove, Hannah Kendall, Gabriel Jackson, Paul Mealor, Thea Musgrave and Mark-Anthony Turnage.
On 26th March, submissions from the Call for Music will be programmed with JAM commissions from the last 25 years:
- Timothy Jackson: No Answer (2001)
- Paul Mealor: Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal (2010: adapted to Ubi Caritas for HRH Prince and Princess of Wales)
- Joseph Phibbs: The World of Light (2024, world premiere)
“My association with JAM has not only been an invaluable experience, but essential to the development of my career as a composer. It is a truly remarkable organisation that is crucial to broadening and maintaining the richness of contemporary classical music.” Hannah Kendall, composer
“I was involved in the first Call for Music. It was very difficult to get performances, and still is. It was wonderful to hear a piece come alive with the fabulous voices of the Selwyn College, Cambridge. It was a career-changing moment for me. I encourage composers to submit; all are welcome.” Paul Mealor, composer