Sean Doherty selected for 'Adopt a Composer' programme

Derry-based composer Seán Doherty has been selected as one of just six composers to be paired with a mentor and music groups as part of the PRS Foundation for Music's Adopt a Composer programme.

The scheme is now in its 14th year, and is run by Making Music in association with Sound and Music. It aims to pair young composers with amateur music groups across the UK for one year. During the year the composer will work with the ensemble in writing a new work, while the group is given an opportunity to explore the commissioning and composition process. Each pair are also assigned a mentor for the year's activities.

Doherty has been paired for this year with Kensington Symphony Orchestra, a highly-regarded non-professional orchestra established over fifty years ago in London. The ensemble has premiered works by many esteemed composers in their history such as Arnold Bax, and has commissioned works from composers such as Judith Weir and Peter Maxwell Davies. The mentor for the project will be the British composer Frasier Trainer.

For more information on the Making Music programme, see www.makingmusic.org.uk