Applications for Liverpool Philharmonic's Rushworth Composition Prize Open Now

APPLICATIONS are open now for Liverpool Philharmonic's Rushworth Composition Prize, in association with the Rushworth Foundation.

The Rushworth Composition Prize provides an exceptional range of opportunities for an early-career composer aged 18+ who writes original music, to develop their talent.  The Prize has no upper age limit for applicants.

£1,000 will be awarded to the winner, who will write a new work for Ensemble 10:10 (Liverpool Philharmonic's contemporary music ensemble) which will be performed in Autumn 2023. Ensemble 10:10 are pleased to have a new home at the newly built Tung Auditorium as part of the partnership with the University of Liverpool.

In addition, the winner will take part in a programme of workshops, masterclasses and mentoring sessions, from composers, performers, conductors and other industry professionals associated with Liverpool Philharmonic.  

The winner will receive further payment for a bespoke programme of activities beyond the sessions related to the Ensemble 10:10 commission, to support their attendance at Liverpool Philharmonic sessions and events. 

The composer will also receive 1 year's complimentary membership of The Ivors Academy, the UK's leading professional association for music creators including:- thousands of songwriters and composers across all styles and genres. 

After winning the prize, previous winners have had further opportunities to produce additional new works and commissions for Liverpool Philharmonic ensembles. 

Entry Criteria:-
 
To enter, applicants should be able to demonstrate that they are at an early stage of their career as a composer, be at least 18 years old on 1 October 2022, and currently live, work, or have been born in the North West of England (Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria), or be a registered student at a Northwest-based Higher Education institution. 

How to apply:-

To be considered, applicants must submit a supporting statement, a CV including:- a list of works and, audio recordings and scores of 2 examples of original works. Submission can also be made via video.  

Applications for the Rushworth Composition Prize close at on Friday, 15 July 2022. For more information, visit:- LiverpoolPhil.Com

Athanasia Kontou, 2019 Rushworth Composition prize winner, commented:- "Winning the Rushworth Composition Prize has been an all-round incredible experience. Ensemble 10:10 are a brilliant ensemble and it was a privilege to write for them. The premiere of my work was fantastic, a definite highlight of my career so far. The prize also gave me the chance to meet and connect with people from the industry whom I admire."

Peter Garden, Executive Director, Performance and Learning at Liverpool Philharmonic commented:- "Liverpool Philharmonic is deeply committed to commissioning new music and supporting emerging talent. Now in its eighth consecutive year, it has been brilliant to see past Rushworth Composition Prize winners successfully establish their careers in the industry and create some terrific music with our contemporary music group, Ensemble 10:10, and a wide range of collaborators following their time with us. We can't wait to receive this year's applications."

Jonathan Rushworth of the Rushworth Foundation commented:- "The Rushworth Foundation supports music, the arts and education in Liverpool, and we are delighted to support the Rushworth Composition Prize once again. This competition offers a wonderful opportunity for North West-based composers embarking on their careers and we are proud to be a part of it."

Since it was launched in 2015, there have been 7 recipients of the prize:- Nneka Cummins (2021), Alex Papp (2020), Athanasia Kontou (2019), Carmel Smickersgill (2018), Grace Evangeline Mason (2017), Richard Miller (2016) and Bethan Morgan-Williams (2015). Liverpool Philharmonic also supports local composers and songwriters through Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company.

Celebrate Britain's longest reigning monarch with 1 Vision Housing

ONE Vision Housing (OVH), part of The Sovini Group, is proudly supporting Derby Park Community Volunteers and Green Sefton's 'Jubilee Party in the Park' celebration.

Sefton residents are cordially invited to attend a royal celebration to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.

The Covid19 Pandemic illustrated the importance of protecting local green spaces, and it is thanks to the work of organisations such as Derby Park Community Volunteers and Green Sefton, who are hosting the event, that we are able to enjoy them with friends and family.

To commemorate HRH's 1st reigning decade, guests are encouraged to dig out their finest 1950's inspired attire, bring a blanket and picnic along to Derby Park, Bootle for a vintage themed jamboree. Visitors can expect to enjoy local trade stalls, refreshments, activities for children, and swing dancers.

Additionally, live entertainment will be provided by Mersey Beat band Karl Terry and The Cruisers who will transport guests back through the decades, to hear all of their favourite rock n' roll hits.

Ann Owens, Stakeholder Engagement Manager said;- "One Vision Housing are thrilled to support the Jubilee Party in the Park event, which will showcase some of the finest talents and local trade offerings the City Region has to offer. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we hope our communities will take the opportunity to indulge in this fun-filled afternoon to commemorate our country's monarch."

The event will take place, on Saturday, 4 June 2022, between 1 and 4pm at:- Derby Park, 65 Fernhill Road, Bootle, L20 9HE. Supported by 1 Vision Housing, The Sovini Group, Derby Park Community Volunteers, Green Sefton, ASDA, Friends of South Park, Lotus Brook, The Gateway Collective, Sefton O.P.E.R.A, Capsticks, Weightmans, and Aaron and Partners Solicitors.

To learn more about 1 Vision Housing, its certifications, and awards, please visit:- OVH.Org.UK.