After 6 successful years of developing new compositional voices in our OPUS composition competitions, exciting changes are happening in 2021 – we’re moving from a single annual competition to a broader offering of two tiered programmes which will run throughout the year.

Our two new Opus schemes, Opus 1 and Magnum Opus, are development opportunities to help UK-based composers take the next step on their composing journey. The selected composers for both schemes will work closely with programme directors Joe Cutler and Dobrinka Tabakova, Britten Sinfonia musicians, and the wider Britten Sinfonia team to create new works for chamber ensemble for recording and performance, and develop their skills as composers and creatives in a holistic way.

You’ll find more information below about the schemes. We will accept one application per composer (for either Opus 1 or Magnum Opus), so you should consider which scheme will suit your current stage of compositional development and check that you are eligible in the ‘How to get involved’ section. Registration is for both schemes – you will be able to be specific in your application form.