Applications are now open for the 2022-23 Royal Philharmonic Society Composers programme. Alongside a commission – premiered by a noted ensemble, venue or festival – the programme supports a cohort of composers taking steps towards establishing their careers, helping them build the skills, confidence and contacts to attain further commissions and performances of their own. We do this through a year-long range of sessions and activities, including the opportunity to meet and draw insights from professional composers and key figures in the music business, workshops to develop skills, as well as individual sessions addressing personal objectives and how we might help fulfil them.
Who is it open to? Vitally, candidates should be at a stage where they are able to demonstrate genuine commitment to establishing a career as a composer, in the proficiency of the music they submit, and what they write in their application. They may have recently graduated or be coming to the end of their studies, but equally a formal degree or equivalent qualification is not compulsory. They may be in the early years of their careers and seeking fresh stimulus to help them progress. We recognise that composers pursue many different routes, so we look forward to hearing their individual story.
We’re always keen to hear from those who have not considered applying to the RPS before, but you are equally welcome to apply again. As with many opportunities like this, those selected may have applied several times before. Every year, we change the professional composers we invite to review applications, to draw on fresh perspectives and minimise potential bias.
We keep striving to address how we can minimise barriers to the widest possible range of applicants. We are proud to have adopted Sound and Music’s Fair Access Principles and are also signed up to the Keychange initiative. We warmly welcome applications from composers of all backgrounds, particularly under-represented demographics, such as those who are Black, Asian and ethnically diverse, and those who are disabled. We are also pleased to receive feedback and are keen to hear from anyone who may have identified potential barriers to applying.