7 talented composers to receive PRS Foundation’s Composers’ Fund
Together with Jerwood Arts, the leading independent funder for early-career UK artists, curators and producers, announce today we’re excited to reveal the latest talented composers to receive the ground-breaking Composers’ Fund are:
- Claire M Singer – Recording and promotion of two new releases
- Jack Sheen – Recording his large ensemble work with Octandre Ensemble
- Ayanna Witter-Johnson – Commission for Solem Quartet for Part IV, “Experiments”, of their Beethoven Bartok Now series
- Nwando Ebizie – Time for mentored composition for opera, contemporary classical chamber ensembles and theatre
- Klein – Building instruments and research into modern compositions
- Dominique le Gendre – Time to collaborate and promote music
- Ryan Latimer – Recording and licensing debut album
Elizabeth Sills, Grants & Programmes Manager at PRS Foundation said
“Huge congratulations to all the talented composers in this latest round of funding. We’re delighted that together with Jerwood Arts we are able to offer this targeted and timely support for composer development and progression at this incredibly difficult time. We look forward to seeing each of these projects come together over the coming months and the impact they will have on each composer’s career.”
Jon Opie, Deputy Director of Jerwood Arts said
“Funding directly for composers is extremely precious. Opportunities for new commissions and performances have been rare over the last year and there’s not enough paid work to go around. The opportunity of the Composers’ Fund is needed now more than ever, and gives composers the freedom to develop new projects independently and anticipating better times to come. PRS Foundation’s leadership in this is exceptional and we’re excited to work with them to support these brilliant artists.”
The Composers’ Fund supports the creative and professional development of talented composers with a strong track record and at pivotal stages in their career. Launched by PRS Foundation in 2016 the fund offers grants of up to £10,000 to support and enable composers to realise projects and ambitions that may not be possible through traditional commissioning models.
Since its launch the fund has supported projects such as recordings, the promotion and performance of existing works, international co-commissions and development, performer collaboration, residencies, sabbaticals or childcare costs and project or promotional support.
This round is the second of the new partnership with Jerwood Arts which enables increased support to composers that meet the fund’s criteria and whose activities take place in the UK and who are less than 10 years into their career.
Both organisations recognise the impact the COVID-19 crisis is having on composer careers and this has been reflected in the criteria and decision-making processes.
