Vacancy Type:
Application deadline:
Thursday, 31 July 2025
Description of vacancy:
Inspired by the success of previous rounds, we are now inviting entries for our 2025-26 New Music Competition.
Four of the submitted pieces will be chosen for a Workshop in November 2025 with award-winning composer Andrew Toovey, and YLSS players, and from these one piece will be selected for performance in 2026. In addition, each shortlisted entrant will be offered a one-to-one tutorial with Andrew Toovey.
An eminent professional composer advises us for each competition (read what Judith Weir had to say about her involvement with the 2017 / 18 round on her blog) , gives one-to-one tutorials to the four shortlisted entrants, and takes part in a workshop with YLSS playing the shortlisted pieces. To date, composers Philip Cashian, Joe Cutler, Sally Beamish, Emily Howard, Michael Finnissy, Judith Weir, Howard Skempton and Nicola LeFanu have all worked with us, giving invaluable advice to the entrants and to YLSS.
YLSS members participate at every stage of the competition, from selection of the composer, through development and rehearsal of the selected piece, to its first performance in an open concert. Through this project we aim to support the creation of new music for late starter string orchestras, as well as broaden our musical experience. The next round of the competition is now open. We welcome entries from composers based in the UK or Ireland - emerging composers, students, late starters or whatever - who are keen to create inspiring new music for YLSS. We are delighted that award-winning composer Andrew Toovey is our professional advisor for this round of the competition. The closing date for entries will be July 31st 2025.
