Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has announced that it is seeking a Young Composer-in-Association to work with the BSO’s new disabled-led ensemble BSO Resound.

The position will offer a UK-based composer aged 18 to 30 the chance to develop their compositional technique and experience over the course of a year and benefit from mentorship from Alexander Campkin, the ensemble’s Composer-in-Residence. The Young Composer-in-Association will also receive a £500 bursary provided by Allianz Musical Insurance.

As well as composing for traditional instruments in the ensemble, the Young Composer in Association will work with new instruments/ Assistive Music Technology and learn about composing for an inclusive ensemble.

Commenting on the opportunity, Campkin said:

This is an invaluable opportunity for a composer to gain experience working with this amazing ensemble. I feel that working with BSO Resound for the last year has really helped me to develop as a composer, so I would strongly recommend young composers to apply. The practical experience of working with professional musicians is immensely beneficial to a composer.

Founding musicians
Lucy Hale was appointed as the first Young Composer in Association last year. Describing the opportunity, she said, ’You get to work with first-rate musicians who spend time with your music; you learn about the instruments (one of which is very unusual); and you can be introduced to BSO’s partner organisation OpenUp Music to learn about Assistive Music Technology and see the workings of an inclusive youth orchestra. If I could do it all again I’d jump at the chance!’

BSO Resound began with an eighteen-month mentorship for James Rose, a conductor with disabilities, to accelerate his experience and confidence as an artist. Following auditions in November 2017, the ensemble was formed with six founding musicians: Siobhan Clough (violin/viola), Philip Howells (percussion), Roger Preston (cello), Kate Risdon (flute), Matthew Scott (clarinet) and Charlotte Bott (LinnStrument). Six months after the ensemble’s creation, BSO Resound became the first disabled-led ensemble to perform at the BBC Proms.

The deadline for the Young Composer-in-Association position is Friday 10 May 2019 at 12pm. The BSO encourages applications from composers who would define themselves as disabled. For further details, visit www.bsolive.com.