Classic FM is teaming up with the Royal Philharmonic Society to commission six new pieces of music. The classical compositions will be written by composers who are no older than the classical music station.
The Classic FM 25th Birthday Commissions is part of a year-long celebration of the station. As well as twelve months of events, live concerts and special programmes Classic FM has joined forces with RPS, which it describes as “one of the most important commissioners of composers since Beethoven”. Together they will look towards the future and aim to champion Britain’s outstanding young musical talent.
Any young UK composer born on or after the first Classic FM broadcast on 7th September 1992 is entitled to apply. Entrants will need to demonstrate their ability to write accessible classical music for varying sizes of ensemble.
Each work will be reviewed by a panel of expert judges, including Debbie Wiseman, Classic FM’s Composer in Residence. Six individuals will then be appointed as Classic FM’s 25th Birthday Composers. Each winner will see their work premièred at one of the station’s events, from Classic FM Live at London’s Royal Albert Hall to the 25th Birthday Celebration with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
With varying ensemble sizes each piece will be recorded live and broadcast to Classic FM’s five million listeners around the UK. Each composer will be paid for their work.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating a range of young composers this year, none of whom were born when Classic FM began broadcasting back in 1992,” said Sam Jackson, Classic FM’s managing editor.
“Just under half a million under-25-year-olds now listen to Classic FM each week – and this exciting new initiative with the Royal Philharmonic Society will help us to showcase a wealth of young musical talent in this country.”
Classic FM was one of three new, independent national services to launch in the early 1990’s along with Talk Radio (now talkSPORT) and Virgin Radio (now Absolute Radio).