Jerwood Composer+
Supporting composers to programme, plan and deliver their own artistic projects.
LSO Jerwood Composer+ supports early-career composers in planning and delivering two artistic projects. Composers gain valuable knowledge and practical experience to develop their own opportunities and careers.
The scheme, which is supported by the Jerwood Developing Artists Fund, recruits two composers each year to a 15-month placement. Mentored by LSO staff, they are encouraged to develop entrepreneurial skills around programming for specific audiences, planning, marketing, budgeting, fundraising and evaluation.
Composers have access to composition workshops and mentoring with other composers, industry professionals and musicians to develop their artistic practice. Through the programme they showcase work of their own, as well as works by other composers.
Who Is It For?
The programme aims to support composers from all musical backgrounds who are at an early stage in their career. We are particularly interested in applications from historically under-represented groups such as ethnically diverse composers, women or non-binary composers, disabled composers and composers from outside the classical tradition who would like to develop their experience of writing for classical musicians.
We support Sound and Music’s Fair Access Principles, a code of best practice for running successful, open and inclusive artist development programmes, competitions and awards for composers.
How to Apply
Applications for Jerwood Composer+ are now open for two new composers to join the programme, with continued support from Jerwood Foundation.
Applications close at 4pm GMT on Monday 10 March 2025.
Follow the links below for further information on the scheme and details of how to apply.
Scheme Participants & Alumni
Rufus Isabel Elliot
Anselm McDonnell
2022/23: Des Oliver, Hollie Harding
2018/19: Amir Konjani, Daniel Kidane
2017/18: Emma-Jean Thackray, Jasmin Kent Rodgman
Related Events
Soundhub Showcase
Four composers. Four world premieres.
Friday 16 May 2025 • 7pm
Join us for an evening of cutting-edge contemporary music with four world premieres from our LSO Soundhub 2024/25 Members.
LSO Helen Hamlyn Panufnik Composers' Scheme Workshops
LSO Discovery
Monday 14 July 2025 • 10.30am
In these free public workshops, witness a pivotal point in the process of writing a new three-minute orchestral piece, as the LSO play works by the latest cohort of Panufnik composers.
Sibelius, Ruders, Paxton and Adès
Thomas Adès and Sean Shibe
Sunday 19 October 2025 • 7pm
Thomas Adès leads the LSO in Poul Ruders' kaleidoscopic Second Guitar Concerto, with soloist Sean Shibe, Sibelius’ rich, evocative Third Symphony, a UK premiere by Alex Paxton, and Adès' own Aquifer.
Music from the North
Thomas Adès and Johan Dalene
Thursday 23 October 2025 • 7pm
Thomas Adès leads us through the shimmering sounds of Sibelius and Rautavaara, with soloist Johan Dalene, and conjures magical images in his own evocation of a Celtic legend.
Soweto Kinch: Soundtrack to the Apocalypse
Thursday 13 November 2025 • 8pm
Saxophonist, rapper and composer Soweto Kinch presents the final instalment of a trilogy of works in collaboration with the LSO.
LSO Futures
Seong-Jin Cho: Artist Portrait
Thursday 20 November 2025 • 7pm
An evening celebrating music at the forefront of composition, as we hear three world premieres alongside Pierre Boulez’s Rituel.
Jerwood Composer+ Showcase
LSO Discovery
Saturday 10 January 2026 • 7pm
Contemporary chamber music concert, curated by an LSO Jerwood Composer+ Member.
Colin Matthews and Rachmaninoff
Elim Chan and Olivier Stankiewicz
Sunday 8 February 2026 • 7pm
Elim Chan conducts a world premiere by Colin Matthews with LSO’s Olivier Stankiewicz as soloist, Bartók’s vibrant Dance Suite, and Rachmaninoff’s sweeping orchestral masterpiece.
Jerwood Composer+ Showcase
LSO Discovery
Saturday 21 February 2026 • 7pm
Contemporary chamber music concert, curated by an LSO Jerwood Composer+ Member.
LSO Jerwood Composer+ is generously supported by Jerwood Foundation.
Established in 1977 for John Jerwood MC (1918-1991) by Alan Grieve CBE, Jerwood Foundation is a UK charity committed to supporting excellence and emerging talent in the arts in the UK. Alan Grieve was appointed Chairman Emeritus in 2023, and at this time Rupert Tyler was appointed Chairman. The organisation is led by Lara Wardle, Executive Director and Trustee and to date Jerwood Foundation has committed over £112 million to support the arts in the UK.
Jerwood Foundation owns the Jerwood Collection of modern and contemporary art, and an important part of Jerwood’s philanthropic mission is delivered by the Collection through its loaning programme and promotion of a broader understanding, interpretation and enjoyment of art. Also included in the Jerwood group of organisations is Jerwood Space, which was Jerwood’s first major capital project when established by Jerwood Foundation in Southwark in 1998. Jerwood Space is a dedicated rehearsal space providing theatre, musical theatre, opera and dance companies with an outstanding environment within which to create their work.
Header image © Kevin Leighton
