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New music commissions
Each year the BPF supports a small number of applications for funding for the commissioning of new music of the highest artistic quality, believing that this would reflect the wishes of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears who, in their lifetimes, did much to support the work of fellow composers.
The full scheme guidelines and application form can be downloaded using the link on this page.
Applications will be considered by the Grants Panel as follows:
Applicants will be informed of decisions as soon as possible after the meeting.
New music commissions
Supporting new work by British and British-based composers.
Each year the BPF supports a small number of applications for funding for the commissioning of new music of the highest artistic quality, believing that this would reflect the wishes of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears who, in their lifetimes, did much to support the work of fellow composers. Guidelines for 2013
- A limited number of commission fees will be supported, with individual awards not likely to be more than £5,000.
- Grants will be awarded for the commissioning of substantial works.
- The total of grants awarded in 2013 will be up to £60,000.
- The Grants Panel will be looking to support composers who have demonstrated a real gift for their craft or a recognised potential and for a partnership of composer and performer(s) that impresses them as a significant project.
- The Grants Panel will be prepared to consider partnership funding, though it will wish to be a major contributor in all cases. Matching funding will not be a condition of grant.
- Applications for funding should be made by UK-based commissioning bodies such as festivals, concert halls or professional performers, ranging from solo instrumentalist to symphony orchestra and/or chorus.
- The Britten-Pears Foundation is a registered charity, and applications should come from other registered charities or from organisations or individuals whose aims and objectives are of charitable intent.
- Grants will only be made for commissions from composers based in the UK or UK composers based abroad.
- The Grants Panel will look more favourably on applications that can demonstrate that the work will receive more than one performance.
- Applications should be submitted in a realistic time-frame and grants will not be awarded retrospectively.
- Grants will only be awarded towards the commission fee, not for copying or rehearsal fees.
- Grants will not be awarded for commissions by composers who are involved in the administration of the commissioning body.
- If you are successful in your application you will be expected to submit a short evaluation report after the commission has been performed.
Application procedure
The full scheme guidelines and application form can be downloaded using the link on this page.
Applications will be considered by the Grants Panel as follows:
- In the first instance details of the work to be commissioned should be submitted, with details of the composer and of the performer(s) involved (see below for further details).
- Applications should be submitted by e-mail by 18 March 2013 and 9 September 2013 using the form provided. The Panel meetings will be in April and October.
- In some cases the Grants Panel may wish to consider the application further; they will then invite the applicant to submit material, such as CDs and scores. Applicants will be informed if this is required.
Applicants will be informed of decisions as soon as possible after the meeting.