ORA Singers and Scala Radio Present Young Composers' Showcase

We are delighted to be partnering up with ORA Singers for the return of the Young Composers' Showcase, a celebration of talented and aspiring composers from across the United Kingdom.

The Young Composers’ scheme first launched in 2019, with the main aim being to nurture and develop a new generation of choral composers by providing educational mentoring and opportunities. Since then, the Young Composers’ scheme has now benefitted nearly 150 students from all corners of the United Kingdom.

ORA Singers and Scala Radio have once again joined forces to provide a platform for young artists to showcase their musical creations. This highly anticipated event aims to foster creativity and support emerging composers, while bringing exceptional choral music to audiences worldwide.

The Young Composers' Showcase

The Young Composers' Showcase took place on Sunday July 23rd at the beautiful Gloucester Cathedral Chapter House. The event was available as a free livestream on the ORA Singers' YouTube channel, their website's homepage, and the Three Choirs' website, allowing global audiences to experience the outstanding performances.

Audience Engagement

Online viewers were given the opportunity to participate in the showcase by casting their votes for the recipient of the Audience Prize. A voting link was provided on the ORA Singers' website and in the YouTube stream description. This engagement added an exciting interactive element to the event and enabled spectators to play a role in recognizing exceptional talent.

Programme Highlights

The programme for the Young Composers' Showcase featured a carefully curated selection of contemporary compositions, as well as two Renaissance pieces that serve as sources of inspiration for the young composers. The aim is to bridge the gap between old and new, highlighting the enduring relevance of historical works while celebrating fresh musical perspectives.

Among the featured pieces were William Byrd's "Laudibus in sanctis" and Thomas Weelkes' "O Jonathan, woe is me." These two Renaissance compositions provide a foundation upon which the young composers have built their reflections. The works that mirror Byrd's "Laudibus in sanctis" include Joshua Laye-Sion's "Breeze," Holly Bacon's "Celebratio Dei," Advaith Jagannath's "Laudibus in sanctis," Emerald Light's "Onionade," and Bella Blood's "A Sailor's Lullaby."

The compositions inspired by Weelkes' "O Jonathan, woe is me" include Rich's (who prefers to be referred to only as 'Rich') "Choral Fantasia on 'O Jonathan' by Weelkes," Hannah Lam's "O Jonathan," Tristan Ng's "David's Grief," Cara Wilkins' "Unspoken," and Jack Brierley's "Sharp North, Declining West."

Adjudication Panel

The esteemed adjudication panel for the Young Composers' Showcase comprised renowned individuals from the world of choral music. Bob Chilcott, chair of the panel, brings his vast experience as a composer and conductor. Emily Pedersen, a previous winner, offers her unique perspective as an accomplished composer. Dominique Le Gendre, an ORA-commissioned composer, provides invaluable insight into contemporary composition. Lastly, Alexis Paterson, CEO of the Three Choirs Festival, brings her expertise in managing one of the world's oldest and most prestigious choral festivals.

Young Composers Showcase Prize-winners

ORA Singers and Scala Radio are thrilled to reveal the prize-winners from this year's Ora Singers Young Composers Showcase are Hannah Lam, with her composition 'O Jonathan' inspired by Weelkes' "O Jonathan, woe is me" and the runner up, Joshua Laye-Sion with his composition 'Breeze' which mirrored the work of Byrd's "Laudibus in sanctis".

The Audience Prize was awarded to Bella Blood with her composition 'A Sailor's Lullaby'.

The Young Composers' Showcase is an extraordinary event celebrating the ingenuity and talent of young composers. With a diverse programme reflecting both Renaissance and contemporary influences, this showcase promises to captivate audiences with its rich and varied musical offerings. By providing a platform for emerging composers, ORA Singers and Scala Radio continue to contribute to the growth and evolution of choral music in the United Kingdom.

Find out more at www.orasingers.com/young-composers

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