4 – 12 September 2026

“I felt as if I discovered myself in different new ways and that the challenges of the course have allowed me to learn new things about myself. I have been feeling genuinely empowered with great self-confidence after the course. BPYAP was an unforgettable experience.”

Britten Pears Young Artist 2025–26 

Composition and Performance is open to emerging composers, singers, instrumentalists, pianists and an assistant conductor with a strong interest in contemporary music. The course aims to foster collaboration and connections between composers and performers, who will work side by side during the intensive nine-day course to create and explore new music.  

Established in 1992 by Oliver Knussen and Colin Matthews, many of the course’s alumni have gone on to become internationally established composers and performers. 

Composers Colin Matthews, Mark-Anthony Turnage, Helen Grime and soprano Claire Booth lead as course directors, working alongside conductor Jonathan Berman, and instrumental tutors Jacqueline Shave (strings), Ellie Blamires (woodwind), Richard Watkins (brass), Huw Watkins (piano) and Sam Walton (percussion). 

Read about Liucilė Vilimaitė’s experience on this course.

The course operates in two strands: the composers will be supported to create an original piece from scratch lasting ca. 5’, which is given daily workshops by the ensemble of instrumentalists and singers in ‘composer reading’ sessions. These allow the composers to develop their ideas with feedback from the performers built in throughout the whole process. Performers should be comfortable with sight reading, as these sessions will involve working through the composers’ drafts in real time. Composers will be supported by the course directors with regular one-to-one sessions, including how to write effectively for singers. 

Alongside this, the instrumentalists, singers and assistant conductor will explore core 20th & 21st century ensemble, chamber music and operatic/song repertoire under the guidance of the course tutors through tutti and sectional rehearsals.Previously, we have covered works by composers such as Oliver Knussen, Kaija Saariaho, Alexander Goehr, Helen Grime, Elliot Carter, Harrison Birtwhistle etc.

The course will include two public performances at Snape Maltings. The young artists will also be invited to return for a short rehearsal period, followed by a performance at the Aldeburgh Festival in June 2027, where the newly composed works will be formally premiered.

The composers will need to be at Snape Maltings for the full duration of the course 4 – 12 September 2026. Instrumentalists, pianists, singers and the assistant conductor will arrive a day later to start on 5 September. 

There are no course fees and we will cover travel costs, accommodation and provide most meals. Additionally, we have a limited budget to provide financial support, including help with childcare costs or removing barriers to access. 

Applications are invited from composers as well as from instrumentalists, pianists, singers and conductors with a strong interest in contemporary music.  

Composers: 
Composers will be chosen on the basis of potential over experience. As the BPYAP is an artist development programme, composers who’ve had significant professional performances are unlikely to be considered.

Instrumentalists:
Flute (doubling Piccolo*), Oboe (doubling Cor Anglais*), Clarinet (doubling E-Flat & Bass*), Bassoon (doubling Contrabassoon*), French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion, 2 x Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp.

*doubling instruments will be provided during the course if you do not have your own.

Pianists:  
Pianists will work collaboratively with the singers and in both chamber music and larger ensemble settings.  

Singers:
Any voice type can apply. You must demonstrate an interest and ability in 20th and 21st century operatic and song repertoire.  

Assistant conductor:
We are looking for one assistant conductor who will work closely with Jonathan Berman throughout the course. 

Find out about how to apply.