Do you compose music? Whatever music you usually compose, we’ve got a very exciting opportunity for composers interested in writing choral music specifically. We want to commission a composer to write a piece which will be performed live as part of our Vocalise! programme – the world premiere of the piece will happen at the final concert of our 150th anniversary year as a choir.
Vocalise! – what is it?
Vocalise! is our community engagement programme in which we aim to inspire our local London communities through sharing the joy of singing. Every year, we work with the children from a number of London schools to sing a programme of fun and inspirational music. The children and the Choir enjoy singing this music together in school, and eventually they perform it together at our Vocalise! Summer Performance.
What are we looking for?
Composers, this is where you come in! We’re excited to announce that we’ll be commissioning a composer to write a piece for our 2025/2026 Summer Performance. The performance will happen in June 2026 (the exact date will be confirmed). Previous performances have happened at venues such as Cadogan Hall and the Grand Junction. We’re looking for a piece that’s twenty minutes long and is written for adult SATB choir, children’s choir, and an ensemble of piano, bass, percussion and solo flute/piccolo. There are more details about this in the PDF that’s linked at the bottom of this article.
What are the benefits involved?
This will be a paid opportunity, and during the composition and rehearsal process you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside our world-class Musical Director David Hill and the Choir itself. You and the piece you compose will also be widely promoted on The Bach Choir’s social media channels and newsletters.
Who can apply?
Anyone can apply, whatever your personal or musical background. We aspire to remove access barriers, and strongly encourage applications from individuals currently underrepresented in choral music and the Arts.
How do I apply?
The deadline for Expressions of Interest is on the 11th November, so you’ll need to get in touch with us before then to be in with a chance of being commissioned. Click here to find out more and to see how you can apply – we look forward to hearing from you.
If you are applying, we would love to hear more about you and your background so that we can continue to promote equality, diversity and inclusion within The Bach Choir. Click here to see our EDI form, which you can fill in and submit with your expression of interest if you choose to.