Chance for Young Composers to have their work performed on a National Stage!

Music for Youth, in partnership with Sound and Music, is calling out for young composers aged 12-21 to enter the New Music Stage programme that will showcase young talent to audiences at a major national event. Composers of all genres could be selected to have their new piece performed on the New Music Stage at the MFY National Festival in Birmingham (7-11 July).

Music for Youth, a national youth music organisation, has partnered with Sound and Music to create this opportunity to support more performances and commissions of new music written by young composers. The New Music Stage programme will bring together performing groups, music education providers and composers in live events and support artistic collaborations.

To take part, young composers, or music organisations representing young composers, should submit a score and a recording (performed by young musicians also aged 21 years old and under) by 27 March. The three age categories are: 12–16, 17-18 and 19- 21 years.

Judith Webster, Chief Executive of MFY says: "The New Music Stage marks a significant development for MFY and we are delighted to work with Sound and Music to support new music written and performed by young people across the UK. This initiative enables Music for Youth to put innovation at the heart of our National Festival and celebrate the talent of young people who create new music as well as those who perform it."

Susanna Eastburn, Chief Executive of Sound And Music says: "This partnership with Music for Youth has been a joy to work on. The importance of creating opportunities for talented young composers to make new work for their peers to perform in a thrilling public concert is one which we all are passionately committed to, so it has been great to develop this bold new step together. I can't wait to hear the new works in July. ".

To find out more and enter the New Music Stage programme, please visit mfy.org.uk/newmusicstage or email alexandra@mfy.org.uk or call on 020 7759 1830. The deadline for submitting completed applications is Friday 27th March 2015.

The 'New Music Stage' is supported by investment from the National Lottery through Arts Council England's Grants for the arts programme.