Cheltenham Festival's Composer Academy open for applications

The Composer Academy supports early-career composers (aged 18+ years) who are looking to gain professional advice and mentoring to further their career.

The 12 participants will have their compositions workshopped, performed and recorded, attend a range of premiere performances at the Cheltenham Music Festival, and have access to industry professionals in a series of panel talks that discuss craft and contemporary aesthetics, along with career development.

Daniel Kidane, who himself was a member of the first ever Composer Academy in 2013, will be the Composer Academy director for 2021. 

Participants will have the choice of writing a short work for one of two professional ensembles: The Carice Singers (8 piece a cappella ensemble, four parts SATB), one of the UK’s most distinctive emerging vocal ensembles, and a chamber ensemble handpicked by Chi-chi Nwanoku from Chineke! Orchestra (violin, cello, clarinet, horn).

Participants may write for the whole Chineke! ensemble or select a combination of instruments (solo, duo, trio etc). Both ensembles will be in residence for the duration of the Academy and will workshop each piece alongside tuition from Kidane.

Applications must be submitted by 2 April. For more information and to apply click here.