THE tenth National Centre for Early Music Young Composers Awards in York have been won by Dominic Wills in the 18 years and under category and by Frederick Viner in the 19 to 25 age group.

Dominic’s Salve Regina and Frederick’s Prayer From Afar will be premiered by The Tallis Scholars vocal ensemble during a high-profile concert at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, on September 16, when the performance will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3's Early Music Show.

Young composers resident in Britain were invited to write a work for unaccompanied choir, creating a contemporary setting for the words of a great Latin hymn, either Ave Regina Caelorum or Salve Regina, two pieces that have inspired many Renaissance works.

The shortlisted works were performed throughout a day-long workshop at the NCEM on May 11, supported by York musicians The Ebor Singers. This was followed swiftly by an evening concert, judged by Tallis Scholars director Peter Phillips, BBC Radio 3 producer Les Pratt and NCEM director Delma Tomlin.

In the younger group, Emily de Gruchy and Noah Max wrote pieces entitled Ave Regina Caelorum; James Tomlinson and Dominic Wills, Salve Regina. In the senior section, Hugo Bell and Marco Galvani each wrote Salve Regina, Rhiannon Randle, Ave Regina, and Frederick Viner, Prayer From Afar.

Junior winner Dominic Wills, 17, from Ely, says: "It was an incredible privilege to have had my music sung by such impressive performers as the Ebor Singers. I loved the day and am really looking forward to September."

Fellow winner Frederick Viner, 23, is from Tunbridge Wells, but is a music graduate in from the University of York, who is now finishing an MA in composition at the University of Oxford.

York Press:

The eight finalists in the 2017 NCEM Young Composers Awards in the archway at the NCEM, York: Hugo Bell, left, Dominic Wills, James Tomlinson, Rhiannon Randle, Frederick Viner, Marco Galvani, Emily de Gruchy and Noah Max

“This was one of the most generous and informative competitions that I have ever been part of,” he says. “To have worked with such dedicated musicians, and to have been given so much time to learn in this environment, it’s very rare, and I am so happy to be here and delighted to have won.”

The NCEM Young Composers Award has grown into a major event, attracting composers from across the UK, notes Delma Tomlin. "They rise to the challenges of listening to music of the past and then creating something truly unique for the 21st century, all the time remembering that the commission is to write for a specific ensemble, in this case The Tallis Scholars.

"These compositions were individual, creative and inspiring to listen to, and the young composers collectively a delight to work with. I can’t wait for next year – it is a truly inspiring day.”

Les Pratt adds: "The quantity and quality of entries this year is enormously encouraging, so much so, that it was tough to whittle them down to a shortlist and winners. It was fascinating to see how the young composers engaged with these sacred Latin texts and used their creative minds to produce such imaginative and well-crafted pieces.

"Congratulations to all the entrants and especially to the two winning entries. We can’t wait to share them with Radio 3’s Early Music Show listeners in the autumn.”

Alan Davey, controller of BBC Radio 3, BBC Proms, BBC Orchestras and Choirs, says: “Behind everything we do on BBC Radio 3 is a belief that arts and music play an essential part in helping audiences to explore the world around them. Young talent and new composers who share insights through music with our listeners in their own creative ways are an essential part of our commitment to connect audiences with remarkable music and culture. These are serious pieces that I am looking forward to hearing performed."

The Tallis Scholars' concert performance on May 11 was streamed live and can be viewed at ncem.co.uk/composersaward2017