Composition: Wales 2027

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At the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, we’re proud to champion the people shaping Wales’ musical future, and we’d love you to be part of it.

Composition: Wales is an exciting artist development programme designed for composers ready to take the next step. If selected, you’ll create a new piece of music and hear it brought to life by a full professional orchestra in a workshop and performance at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff Bay.

Along the way, you’ll be supported by world-class artists, including conductor Jac Van Steen and composer mentor Paul Mealor. You’ll gain insight, guidance, and honest, practical feedback from the musicians performing your work - an invaluable opportunity to grow your voice and refine your craft.

This is more than a programme: it’s a chance to connect, experiment, and be heard. We’re here to support and celebrate composers from across Wales and those based here, helping bring new music to new audiences.

Delivered in partnership with Nimbus Lyrita Arts and Tŷ Cerdd, Composition: Wales is your invitation to step forward and share your music.

Please note that, along with some other key changes, the application timeline and application criteria is different to previous years. Full details can be found in the Terms and Conditions. Below is a summary only.

Key Dates
Shortlisted composers will need to be available for:

Several online mentoring sessions through the year (to be organised directly)
Two in-person mentoring days (in-person, in Cardiff): Sun 27 September, Thu 26 November
Workshop & Concert days (in-person, in Cardiff): Tuesday 2 March, Wednesday 3 March 2027.

Application Criteria
Applications are welcomed from composers who can meet the following criteria:

Born, living or studying in Wales
Over 18

To apply you will need to submit a score and, if possible, a midi realisation or recording of up to 2 pieces

*Please submit pieces that best show your compositional voice/potential. One of the pieces must display your ability to write for an ensemble of western-classical instruments. (This can be from as small as a string quartet through to a full orchestra).

N.B. You do not need to submit a work that will be used for this project. If you are successful, you will be supported to create a work for the BBC NOW in any way you wish, whether it is composing something completely new, or adapting/evolving an existing work. This will not be factored into the shortlisting process.

How to Apply
Entry Form

Application Deadline
09:00AM 1 June 2026

Shortlisting Process
The shortlisting panel will assess each submission in relation to the following criteria:

Compositional Idea;
Originality;
Creativity; and
Ability to write for western-classical instruments

Round 1 of shortlisting will be anonymised, and round 2 will be de-anonymised.

Who is on the panel?
Round 1: Paul Mealor, Shirley J. Thompson, George Lee
Round 2: Paul Mealor, Shirley J. Thompson, George Lee, Deborah Keyser, Jac van Steen, BBC NOW Musician

When will I find out?
The shortlisted composers will be contacted by Friday 3rd July 2026

Additional Information

Mentors
Paul Mealor
Shirley J. Thompson
Naomi Roberts (BBC NOW Librarian)
Jac van Steen (Conductor)
BBC NOW musicians

Expenses
Where required, all travel and accommodation for in-person events, will be subsidised. Should any shortlisted composer(s) face additional barriers to participating, please be reassured that we are committed to explore additional ways to support individuals to fully participate in this process.

Access Requirements
Please tell us if there is any support you need to enable you to participate in this opportunity. If you have any questions please email Education Producer: rhonwen.jones@bbc.co.uk

Please read the full terms and conditions before you apply.

If you have any other queries, please contact: rhonwen.jones@bbc.co.uk