Posted on 24 May 2010
PRS for Music Foundation has launched an exciting new programme to put new music centre-stage of the Cultural Olympiad in 2012. The brainchild of private patrons, David Cohen and Jillian Barker, New Music 20x12 will support 20 new works each lasting 12 minutes. It will be delivered by the PRS for Music Foundation in partnership with the BBC, LOCOG (the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games) and Sound and Music.
The call for proposals launched on Tuesday 18 May invites music organisations, festivals, ensembles, promoters or venues from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to present ideas for new work , in any musical genre, that they would like to commission from a UK- based composer. Each work will premiere in 2012 and receive at least 2 additional performances. The works will enable audiences across the UK to enjoy exceptional new music inspired by this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of our culture with the world.
A panel of experts, chaired by Roger Wright, Controller BBC Radio 3 and Director, BBC Proms, will be announced later this year and will select the best 20 works following the deadline for applications on Friday 1st October 2010. All selected works will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and some may be considered for inclusion in other official events relating to London 2012. In addition to financial support for the commissions, New Music 20x12 will include networking and professional development opportunities for the selected composers and musicians.
New Music 20x12 is supported by committed patrons and funders from across the UK including the Musicians Benevolent Fund. For more information about New Music 20x12 and how to apply see www.prsformusicfoundation.com.
Read the press release