Call for Scores

Applications for the 2025 Manchester Midday Music Composers’ Workshop are now open. Closing Date: 23:59 on Friday 21 March 2025

Successful applicants will be invited to write a new 5-minute work for string quartet to be workshopped and performed by the Victoria String Quartet in Manchester in June 2025. There are 4 places available for composers.

Compositions should be either i) a pre-existing work which has yet to receive a public performance, or ii) a new composition. Compositions should be no longer than 5 minutes in length.

We welcome submissions from all individuals aged 18+ who are currently living, working, or studying in the North West.

The Society

Established in 1915, the Manchester Midday Concerts Society supports emerging artists and is one of the largest and most successful lunchtime concert series in the country. Concerts are held at The Bridgewater Hall.

This year, in addition to its concert programme, the Society will be running a Composition Workshop to promote new music in the North West.  The competition will be open to all composers aged 18+ with no upper age limit.

Entrants are invited to submit proposals for a new piece of 4-5 minute duration, written for a maximum of four standard acoustic string instruments (violin, violin, viola, ‘cello). 

Find out more about the Manchester Midday Concerts Society

The Victoria String Quartet

In demand since its formation in 2017, the Victoria String Quartet has performed for chamber music societies and festivals throughout the UK and has been hailed as ‘an ensemble brim full with pedigree and wide experience’.

Find out more about The Victoria String Quartet

The Award

Four composers will be chosen and will receive: 

• A half-day workshop in Manchester with the Victoria String Quartet – 
• A half-day workshop & recording session in Manchester by the Victoria String Quartet
• Mentoring by a professional North West composer

Travel expenses will be provided for the selected composers. 

Applications

The final composition must meet the following requirements:

o Duration: 4-5 mins.

o Instrumentation: max 4 performers, from a typical string quartet line-up (vln, vln, vla, vlc). 

o The composition must be entirely acoustic. 

o Consider that the musicians will have limited rehearsal time. 

Delivery

The selected composers will have 8 weeks to write this work. The Society expects a finalised score and parts (electronic copy acceptable) to be delivered on or before Friday 23 May 2025. 

The composition will be workshopped on Tuesday 3 June 2025 and recorded the following week on Thursday 12 June 2025. Any necessary revisions following the first workshop in June must be received no later than Friday 6 June 2025. 

The Victoria String Quartet will lead the workshop, in collaboration with the composer. Individual mentoring will be provided by Alice Beckwith throughout the process.

The Application Process 

Eligibility: 

Entrants must be aged 18+

Be available to attend both workshops in Manchester on 3 June and 12 June 2025

Entrants must currently live/work/study in North West England

How to enter: 

Entries must be received no later than 23:59 on 21 March 2025, using the Google Form below: https://forms.gle/my5EKjsEUcWnDn297

Selection Process:

Successful composers will be notified by 28 March 2025. 

The panel’s decision for both the Shortlist and selection of the compositions will be final and the Society reserves the right not to determine an award-winner. 

The panel is unable to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants and composers.

Enquiries

Should you have any queries, please contact Alice Beckwith, Programmes Manager, at manchestermid-days@live.co.uk