YOUNG COMPOSERS COMPETITION
The Christopher Brooks Memorial Prize is the Lancashire Sinfonietta’s annual award for young composers in the North West of England. The prize consists of a year-long residency, co-hosted by Live at LICA (Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts) and has already given a number of composers valuable experience and contacts to help launch their careers.
Current Recipient (2011/12): Tom Coult
Previous Recipients:
2010/11 - Duncan Ward
2009/10 - Andrew John Smith
2008/9 - Michael Cutting
2007/8 - Gemma Wild
2006/7 - Jonathan Hoyle
2005/6 - Daniel Brett
Honorary Patrons:
Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Mrs Judith Brooks
Christopher Brooks Memorial Prize
*Applications for the 2012 competition have closed.
2013 Christopher Brooks Memorial Prize.
This award seeks to encourage young composers in the North West to develop their skills in writing for chamber orchestra by providing a professional performance platform in Lancashire.
The winner will become "Composer in Residence" and the residency will begin with a £1,000 commission for the creation of a new orchestral work to be performed during the Lancashire Sinfonietta’s Concert Season in 2013/14.
Background Information
Established in 2005, the Christopher Brooks Memorial Prize is an annual award set up by the Lancashire Sinfonietta to encourage the professional development of young composers in the North West.
Christopher Brooks was a founder of the orchestra and gave an immense amount of support and encouragement to young musicians during his lifetime. This award is made possible with the support of his friends and family, and with the generous support of Lancashire County Council.
Young Composer in Residence
A panel of judges including a professional composer and conductor will make their decision based on the quality of the works submitted and the winner will be appointed “Young Composer in Residence” in September.
The successful candidate will receive a £1,000 commission for the creation of a new work for the Lancashire Sinfonietta. The residency will also include opportunities for further commissions and work within our Learning & Participation Programme. A brief for the commission will be discussed and the successful composer will work closely with the Director and selected musicians of the Sinfonietta in preparation for the premiere.
The award is co-hosted by Live at LICA, Lancaster University.
The Lancashire Sinfonietta
The Lancashire Sinfonietta is one of the country’s finest chamber orchestras. It comprises professional musicians who have a connection to Lancashire and are members of orchestras such as the LSO, BBC Symphony & BBC Philharmonic, Hallé, RLPO and Northern Sinfonia.
The orchestra also features internationally renowned guest directors and top Lancastrian soloists. The Sinfonietta concert season has community participation and learning at its’ core and a vibrant education programme is delivered in schools and community venues throughout the year.
Your Application
To make an application, please send us the following:
- Scores of 3 previous instrumental works you have written (all scores must be legible, clearly named and securely bound). We encourage you to send contrasting examples of your work which must include works scored for acoustic instruments but may include one electro-acoustic work. Recordings may be sent but are not a requirement.
- Curriculum Vitae and/ or Biography, and list of works (2 pages A4 maximum).
- Contact details including daytime phone number.
- A letter of reference, or contact details for a referee.
- Confirmation of eligibility (see below).
- A cover letter which explains your reasons for entering the competition and what you hope to get out of the experience - how it will affect your studies, enhance your career development etc. You can also use this space to tell us any other relevant facts about yourself that you would like us to know (maximum 300 words).
Eligibility Requirements
This competition is open to composers resident in the North West of England (Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria & Merseyside) aged between 16 and 25 on closing date.
Competition Deadline
The competition is held annually and the deadline for 2013 competition submissions will be February 8th 2013.
All composers will be contacted by the end of March 2013 with a decision.
Submissions should be sent to:
Christopher Brooks Memorial Prize
c/o Lancashire Sinfonietta
12 New Beech Road
Stockport
SK4 3DD
NB: If you would like any of the materials that you submit returned, please enclose a cheque for £5.00 payable to “Lancashire Sinfonietta Ltd.”
Further Queries:
If you have any queries or to register your interest, contact Fiona Sinclair:
t: 0161 4327925
e: info@bluefroguk.com
