MAGNUM OPUS
About the Programme
Magnum Opus is a 12-month artist-development programme for three UK-based early-career composers who want to:
- Refine their compositional voice
- Develop orchestral writing skills
- Gain first-hand experience of orchestral management
Throughout the year you’ll reflect on your practice, work closely with Britten Sinfonia musicians, and receive tailored mentoring from industry professionals and Programme Directors, Gavin Higgins and Freya Waley-Cohen.
Each composer creates two new works — a chamber piece and a chamber concerto — both performed by Britten Sinfonia as part of the orchestra’s concert season.
“A wonderful opportunity to refine my orchestral writing and hear my work performed by one of the UK’s most inspiring ensembles.”
Applications open until 26 Nov 2025
Please read the information below before applying.
What You'll Receive
- Bursary £2,750 – covering travel, accommodation and commissions (paid in three instalments)
- Two professional performances with Britten Sinfonia
- Workshops & mentoring from leading composers and musicians
- Career-development sessions on production budgeting, marketing and fundraising
- Networking & profile opportunities through concerts and composer community events
Who We're Looking For
This is a focused scheme targeted towards individuals looking for a transformational experience working with an internationally renowned orchestra.
We are looking for composers who predominately use Western notation and have some experience in writing for chamber ensembles and orchestras. You may have taken part in similar schemes before or studied composition in a higher education setting. However, you will be looking to build deeper relationships with professional musicians, establishing a clear compositional style and being receptive to feedback and mentoring from industry professionals on topics such as marketing and fundraising.
We are looking to work with those who are keen to develop, not only as composers, but also as well-rounded creative individuals who will become part of the Britten Sinfonia team for the duration of their residency with us. We will encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and explore new contexts for your work, for example in community and school settings. Above all, you will embody the collaborative spirit for which Britten Sinfonia is known for. You will become an active member of the Opus composer community; attending networking events and Britten Sinfonia concerts, offering advice to Opus 1 composers, and being an advocate for the organisation at a national level.
Magnum Opus Composer Profiles
Programme Structure
The scheme is tailored to each cohort and will involve a mixture of one-to-one and group support, mentoring, workshops, rehearsals and performances.
After being welcomed onto the scheme in January 2026, you will be invited to an introductory one-to-one with the Programme Directors, so we can gain a better understanding of what you hope to learn throughout the year. You will also be assigned a mentor musician from the orchestra who you will be encouraged to connect with at regular points throughout the scheme.
Chamber Work
To mark Britten’s 50th anniversary year, you’ll write a new chamber work for 11 instruments, inspired by Britten’s Opus 1 Sinfonietta and scored for the same forces plus percussion.
Workshop: Thursday 19 February 2026
Premiere: Pre-concert launch ahead of Re-Folking Viennese Classics, with ZRI Quintet on Friday 17 April 2026.
Chamber Concerto
After the launch concert, you’ll collaborate with Britten Sinfonia to identify a soloist and compose a 15-minute chamber concerto, premiered at the Magnum Opus Showcase in London in November 2026.
You’ll work closely with your soloist — attending R&D sessions, testing ideas and developing a deep understanding of the instrument. The piece will be workshopped in September 2026.
Previous soloists include Clare Hammond (piano), Sean Shibe (guitar) and Rakhi Singh (violin).
“Thanks to the exposure I received as a composer working with Britten Sinfonia, I’ve secured professional engagements and commissions that can be directly traced to people hearing my music during the scheme’s concerts. This has been, by far, one of the most valuable outcomes of my participation in the programme.”
Eligibility
To be eligible for Magnum Opus 2026 you should:
- Be aged 18 or over at the time of applying
- Not be in full- or part-time education between Jan – Nov 2026
- Have been UK-based for at least two years and plan to remain so during the programme
- Provide two scores and recordings or MIDI realisations of your work
- Be actively pursuing composition as part of your career
- Be available for the 19 February 2026 workshop and 17 April 2026 launch concert in London
Application Process
- Submit your application via the online form HERE, including two works (scores + recordings or MIDI) before 23:59 on Wednesday 26 November.
- Applications are reviewed twice by two panel members to reduce unconscious bias.
- A longlist is created, then the Programme Directors produce a shortlist for interview.
- Interviews: Wednesday 17 December 2025
- Outcomes: All applicants notified by Monday 22 December 2025
Selection Panel
- Gavin Higgins - Composer
- Freya Waley-Cohen - Composer
- Joe Cutler - Composer
- Meurig Bowen - CEO & Artistic Director, Britten Sinfonia
- Chris Bell - Learning & Participation Director, Britten Sinfonia
We are not using anonymised selection so that we can consider the diversity and backgrounds of applicants as well as identifying demographics we should be encouraging to apply in the future.
Access Support for d/Deaf and disabled applicants
We understand that application processes can present challenges for some d/Deaf and disabled applicants. To reduce barriers, we offer:
- Alternative formats or video applications
- Deadline extensions where appropriate
- Access support bursary (up to £200) to pay an access worker to assist with your application
To request access support, please contact learning@brittensinfonia.com
Britten Sinfonia is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Network Partner supported by PPL. Magnum Opus is also supported by the Garrick Charitable Trust, the Thriplow Charitable Trust, and the Leche Trust.
Keep in touch
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Follow us on socials and sign up to our mailing list to keep up to date with the latest opportunities to get involved.