At a Glance
- Tasks: Compose original music and collaborate with industry professionals.
- Company: Liverpool Philharmonic, a leading contemporary music ensemble.
- Benefits: £1000 prize, workshops, masterclasses, and mentoring opportunities.
- Other info: Applications close on 28 September 2026; video submissions accepted.
- Why this job: Kickstart your composing career with a prestigious commission and support from experts.
- Qualifications: Early-career composers aged 18+, based in the North West or studying there.
The Rushworth Composition Prize provides incredible opportunities for early‑career composers who write original music. In association with the Rushworth Foundation, the prize winner will be awarded £1000 and commissioned to compose a new work for Liverpool Philharmonic’s 10:10, our contemporary music ensemble. During the commission period, the winner will take part in workshops, masterclasses and mentoring sessions with composers, musicians, conductors and other industry professionals who are friends of the Phil. A brand‑new commission, a work premiered by our musicians, and a long‑term creative relationship with the Phil – we’ll be there to support our winner through the start of their career and beyond.
Applications are now open – they’ll close at midday on 28 September 2026. We’re looking for applications from composers who:
- are at an early stage in their composing career
- are at least 18 years old on 28 September 2026 – there’s no upper age limit
- currently live, work or were born in the North West (Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria) or are a registered student at a North West higher education institution
- have the right to work in the UK
Late applications will not be accepted. Liverpool Philharmonic accepts no responsibility for applications not received. Liverpool Philharmonic are signatories to Sound and Music’s Fair Access Principles, designed to act as a code of best practice for running successful, open and inclusive artist development programmes, competitions and awards for composers. For more information, or to discuss individual accessibility needs, please contact Montserrat Fuentes‑Romero.
To support fair access to the Rushworth Composition Prize, we also accept video applications as part of this process. Please see the application form for details.
Rushworth Composition Prize in Liverpool employer: Soundandmusic
The Rushworth Composition Prize is an exceptional opportunity for early-career composers, offering not only a £1000 award but also a chance to create a new work for the renowned Liverpool Philharmonic’s 10:10 ensemble. With a strong commitment to nurturing talent, the prize includes invaluable workshops, masterclasses, and mentoring from industry professionals, fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture that champions creativity and growth in the vibrant artistic community of the North West.
