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OpusHER: Empowering emerging female composers 19.10.25

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EMPOWER: Women Changing Music are delighted to launch the second year of the OpusHER Award, created to support emerging female composers and expand the contemporary repertoire for wind instruments, in partnership with ABRSM.


This award offers a unique opportunity for female composers aged 18 and above (no upper age limit) to create a brand-new work for the EMPOWER 2026 tour, celebrating Women’s History Month. We are particularly looking for music that draws that relates to the mission of EMPOWER.


What the winner will receive:

  • £750 award

  • Premiere and multiple performances of the new piece at each EMPOWER 2026 event (London, Dublin, Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow - March 2026)

  • Mentorship from esteemed female composers Dani Howard, Helen Grime, Jenni Watson, as well as guidance from EMPOWER Creative Producers and previous winner Molly Frances Arnuk

  • Publication of the winning piece, supported by leading contemporary flautist Carla Rees

  • Complimentary tickets to all EMPOWER 2026 events


What the winner will create:

  • A 10-minute work for flute, oboe, violin, viola, and cello

  • Opportunities to workshop the piece with performers before the premiere


Please note: You are not required to compose the piece at the application stage.


Timeline:

  • Applications open: Friday 19 September 2025

  • Deadline: 11:59 PM, Sunday 19 October 2025 (late entries cannot be accepted)

  • Shortlisting & interviews: Applicants invited for interview will be contacted during the week commencing 20 October 2025


Eligibility Criteria:

This competition is open to:

  • Composers who identify as women (we welcome applications from cis and trans women, as well as non-binary people who wish to apply)

  • Applicants aged 18 and over

  • Residents of the UK or Ireland


To be eligible, you must also confirm that:

  • You can attend at least one EMPOWER 2026 event in person (6, 8, 20, 25, or 26 March)

  • Your proposed piece has not been previously performed

  • All information you provide in your application is accurate


Questions?

If you have any questions or encounter issues with your application, please contact us at team@empowerwcm.com.


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