OpusHER: A new award for emerging female composers

EMPOWER: Women Changing Music is an initiative dedicated to promoting fairness and gender equality within the music industry. By showcasing female composers and musicians, they provide the opportunity for positive change, ensure a move away from the dead white men who have taken centre stage in concert halls across the world. EMPOWER is centered around live events in celebration of International Women’s Day, with exciting plans for 2025.

EMPOWER: Women Changing Music is thrilled to announce the launch of OpusHER, a new award aiming to support emerging female composers and to grow the contemporary repertoire for wind instruments, generously sponsored by Nkoda.

The prize:

• Award of £450
• Premiere and performance of the piece at each EMPOWER 2025 event (Dublin March 5th, Manchester March 8th, London March 21st)
• Mentorship and input from a team of female composers throughout the process of composing the piece
• Publication of the winning piece here, an opportunity provided by the support of leading contemporary flautist Carla Rees.

The winner will:

Compose a trio for flute, oboe, and piano of up to 10 minutes in length. Please note, you are not required to compose your piece as part of the application.

Applications open on Tuesday 1st October and close at midnight on Monday 28th October. Late entries will not be considered. 

Applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted the following week (w/b 4th November).

If you have any questions or experience any issues with your submission please email team@empowerwcm.com

For more info and to make an application, please go to this web form.