14 – 22 September 2024

“I had an absolute blast at BPYAP, meeting new pioneers in the field of contemporary music, working with top professionals in the industry and aspiring to push myself to a new level.”

Britten Pears Young Artist 2022-23

Composition and Performance is a course for composers, instrumentalists, singers and an assistant conductor. Established in 1992 by Oliver Knussen and Colin Matthews, it is one of our flagship courses within the programme and many of its alumni have gone on to become internationally established composers and performers. The intensive 9-day course, with composers and performers working side by side, gives participants a uniquely collaborative and in-depth experience of music-making.

Composers Colin Matthews, Mark-Anthony Turnage and soprano Claire Booth lead this course as directors, working alongside conductor Jonathan Berman, and instrumental tutors Jacqueline Shave (strings), Rosa Campos (woodwind), Richard Watkins (brass) and George Barton (percussion).

The course operates in two strands: under the guidance of the course directors, six emerging composers will create an original piece (c.5’), which is given daily workshops by the ensemble, which can include singers, to help shape and fully realise each concept. This is an intensive process, supported by a series of one-to-one sessions which will enable safe spaces both to learn and make mistakes.

Alongside this the instrumentalists, singers and assistant conductor will explore 20th & 21st century ensemble and operatic repertoire under the guidance of hugely experienced and knowledgeable tutors. This year repertoire will include a focus on Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire, together with particular insights into style, extended techniques and score notation. The course culminates in a concert at Snape Maltings and course participants will be invited to perform the newly created works in the 2025 Aldeburgh Festival.

Composers, singers, pianists and the assistant conductor will need to be at Snape Maltings for the full duration of the course 14 – 22 September 2024. Instrumentalists will arrive a day later to start on 15 September.

As with all BPYAP courses, there is no fee to attend, we will cover travel costs, accommodation and most meals. Additionally, we have a small budget to provide financial support, including for those who need support with removing barriers to access or childcare costs.

Applications are invited from composers as well as from instrumentalists, singers and conductors with a strong interest in contemporary music.

Composers:
Composers will be chosen more on the basis of potential than of experience - composers who have had significant professional performances are not likely to be considered.

Instrumentalists:
Flute (doubling Piccolo), Oboe (doubling Cor Anglais), Clarinet (doubling E-Flat & Bass), Bassoon (doubling Contra), Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion, 3 x Piano (you will be considered for both orchestral and collaborative elements within this course), 2 x Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp.

Singers:
Any voice type, demonstrating interest and ability in 20th and 21st century operatic and song repertoire. Three singers will be chosen.

We are accepting applications internationally, you do not have to be a resident of the UK or EU in order to apply for this course.

Applications are now closed.