Royal Philharmonic Society

28/05/2025

27/05/2025

The RPS Thea Musgrave Fund is offering £40,000 in grants for composers and performers passionate about contemporary music.

Composition Grants will support composers writing a new work for a soloist, duo, or chamber ensemble, devoting focused workshop and rehearsal time to its creation.

Performance Grants will help performers, ensembles, festivals and venues to put Thea’s music at the heart of their UK programming.

You can find out more and apply on our website here:

At the Royal Philharmonic Society, we cherish composers and the music they give to the world. For over 200 years, we have supported composers to write music that inspires performers and audiences. In this, we have enjoyed a particularly happy association with the composer Thea Musgrave whose groundb...

23/05/2025

Join our friends and RPS Corporate Members Deal Music & Arts for their annual celebration of music, creativity, and cultural heritage in the historic coastal town of Deal, Thursday 3 - Sunday 13 July 2025!

22/05/2025

‘Without the creative energy of new composers, music can only have a past. The Royal Philharmonic Society gives you the opportunity to help ensure a future for music.’ - Pierre Boulez.

For over 200 years, the RPS has granted funds, guidance, and recognition to composers, supported by RPS Members and friends. Our ongoing Beethoven 200 appeal asks for your support to continue this legacy and help bring more new music to life.

To find out more and donate, visit our website: https://royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk/composers/beethoven-200/appeal

22/05/2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 RPS Instrumental Prizes, offering grants to help outstanding young musicians establish their careers.

If you are a violinist, brass player or chamber ensemble based in the UK aged 18-30, head to our website via the link in our bio to find out more about our RPS Instrumental Prizes and how to apply.

Applications are open until 11am on Monday 6 October 2025.

Please do share this opportunity with anyone in your network who may be eligible and interested.

21/05/2025

A new work for solo piano by RPS Composer Derri Joseph Lewis, commissioned as part of the the RPS Composers programme, will receive its premiere at Presteigne Festival on Monday 25 August.

'An die Musik' will be performed by Tim Horton, as part of a 'piano in the afternoon' concert at St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne.

Public booking is now open, you can find out more and book via this link:

The premiere of Derri Joseph Lewis' An die Musik for solo piano, commissioned by RPS as part of the RPS Composers programme, will take place at Presteigne Festival.

20/05/2025

'I think that all of us that are very young in our professional journey must keep believing in ourselves and know that we have something to offer.' RPS WoCo conductor Michal Oren.

The RPS Women Conductors programme empowers women in their development as professional conductors. With coaching from Artistic Director Alice Farnham, conductors including Michal recently made the most of their time leading the Royal Northern Sinfonia at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead.

For more information about the RPS Women Conductors programme, visit this link: https://royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk/performers/women-conductors/women-conductors-gateshead

19/05/2025

'I think having a context like this… gives you the space to be better. Having the chance to work at this level has been a total game-changer.'

RPS WoCo conductor Sinead Hayes - Conductor tells us how the partnership between RPS, Royal Northern Sinfonia and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music has been game-changing, enabling her to work with 'top-notch' professional musicians.

For more information about the RPS Women Conductors programme, visit this link: https://royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk/performers/women-conductors/women-conductors-gateshead

19/05/2025

Our Corporate Partners ABRSM invite musicians aged 10-25 to apply to their Youth Advisory Board.

Board members get to meet other young musicians whilst contributing to the direction of a global music organisation, sharing feedback and new ideas with ABRSM, and getting involved with conversations about exams and wider activities, such as ABRSM's community work.

You can find out more and apply by Monday 30 June on ABRSM's website: https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb/news/apply-to-join-our-uk-youth-advisory-board

17/05/2025

The premiere of Sasha Scott's captivating Night Owl, written for 12 Ensemble as part of the RPS Composers programme, cast a vivid glow at Norfolk & Norwich Festival last night.

Written for string ensemble and electronics, Sasha says: 'My love for sound design grew from experimenting late at night – recording myself playing the violin, sampling those sounds, and discovering new metallic textures. Night Owl is inspired by that process and shaped by a nocturnal energy: the sense of shadows shifting, and the feeling of awakening from slumber and suddenly bursting into motion. I wanted the soundworld to glow like neon lights cutting through the dark – like the blur of London at night, with strobe lights, flashes of noise, and a sense of freedom. It’s about getting lost in sound, and maybe finding something unexpected there too.'

We're so grateful to our programme partners 12 Ensemble and The Marchus Trust for supporting Sasha's commission and her place on the RPS Composers programme, together with support from RPS Members. To discover more about Sasha's music, visit our website.

Sasha is one of eight composers selected for a place on the 2025 RPS Composers programme. This will culminate in her writing a new piece, commissioned by the RPS, for 12 Ensemble.

16/05/2025

'Enjoy every moment of your journey. Whether it's sunny, cloudy or stormy, it has something to teach us, so take it in and grow with it.'

RPS WoCo conductor Oi Ching CHAN - Conductor shared this top tip for aspiring conductors at our recent course with Royal Northern Sinfonia at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music.

Founded by conductor Alice Farnham, this partnership between RPS, Royal Northern Sinfonia, and The Glasshouse gives conductors quality rehearsal time with a professional orchestra and dedicated coaching from Alice, along with the freedom to take risks and learn from the players' thoughtful feedback.

For more information about the RPS Women Conductors programme, visit this link: https://royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk/performers/women-conductors/women-conductors-gateshead