ENTRIES are invited for the 2018 NCEM Young Composers Award in York.

Launched on BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show, the award is being run in partnership with the BBC station and in association with the virtuoso period music ensemble The English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble.

Composers are separated into two age groups: 18 years and under and 19 to 25. Shortlisted composers are then invited to York for a workshop led by composer Christopher Fox, with their pieces to be presented by The English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble.

The winning works will be premiered in a performance by The English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble at the Turner Sims Concert Hall, University of Southampton, on October 30 2018. The concert will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show, an additional prize.

National Centre for Early Music director Delma Tomlin says: "It’s always a great moment to be launching the Young Composers Award, as we have become expectant over the years of a very exciting and challenging competition.

"Since we launched ten years ago, many talented young composers have emerged, who find this an excellent platform to showcase their talent and go on to make waves in the musical world. For example, Frederick Viner, our 2017 winner in the 19 to 25 years category, is now composer in residence at Eton College.

"The NCEM is in a fortunate position in that we can say the award goes from strength to strength. Young composers see their work rehearsed and performed by professional musicians and, through the partnership with the BBC and composer Christopher Fox, this is an integral part of nurturing composers of the future."

The award is open to young composers living in Britain who are invited to score their new piece for two cornetts and three sackbuts, with optional chamber organ. "They are encouraged to treat the instruments like voices, rather than a modern brass ensemble, and to imbue their piece with the spirit of Venice," says Delma.

Alan Davey, controller of BBC Radio 3, says: "Talent development is at the heart of BBC Radio 3 and we are proud to continue our commitment to supporting the next generation of composers inspired by early music.

"Over the past 70 years, the station has looked to provide a national platform for the stars of tomorrow while connecting audiences with a diverse range of exceptional new music. I’m thrilled that, through partnerships such as this with the NCEM, we can continue to amplify the creative voices of young composers by giving them their first ever broadcast."

The 2018 NCEM Young Composers Award is open for registration until 11.59pm on Friday. Applicants should email the NCEM at education@ncem.co.uk. Completed scores must be received no later than 5pm on March 16.

The award will be judged at the National Centre for Early Music, York, on May 10. Terms and conditions and details of how to take part in the NCEM Young Composers Award 2018 are available at ncem.co.uk/youngcomposersaward2018.