Rushworth Composition Prize
Applications for the 2025 Rushworth Composition Prize are now open. Applications will close at 12pm on Monday 22 September 2025.
The Rushworth Composition Prize, in association with the Rushworth Foundation, provides an exceptional range of opportunities for an early-career composer who writes original music.
The Prize offers composers aged 18+, with no upper age limit, the opportunity to build a long-term collaborative and creative relationship with Liverpool Philharmonic, which supports composers during the commission period and beyond.
What will the winner receive?
£1,000 will be awarded to the winner to write a new work for Ensemble 10:10 (Liverpool Philharmonic’s contemporary music ensemble).
In addition, the winner will take part in a programme of workshops, masterclasses and mentoring sessions from composers, musicians, conductors and other industry professionals associated with Liverpool Philharmonic.
The composer will also receive one year’s complimentary membership of The Ivors Academy, the UK’s leading professional association for music creators including thousands of songwriters and composers across all styles and genres.
After winning the prize, previous winners have had further opportunities to produce additional new works and commissions for Liverpool Philharmonic ensembles.
meet our new and previous prize winners
How to Apply
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should demonstrate that they :
- are at an early stage of their career as a composer.
- are at least 18 years old on 22 September 2025 – there is no upper age limit for applicants.
- currently live, work, or were born in the North West of England (Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria), or are a registered student at a Northwest-based Higher Education institution.
There are no minimum qualification requirements for applicants.
Applications close at 12pm on Monday 22 September 2025.
Late applications will not be accepted. Liverpool Philharmonic accepts no responsibility for applications not received.
Liverpool Philharmonic are signatories to Sound and Music’s Fair Access Principles, designed to act as a code of best practice for running successful, open and inclusive artist development programmes, competitions and awards for composers.
For more information, or to discuss individual accessibility needs, please contact Nikita Robinson at learning@liverpoolphil.com or call 07977 164794.
To support fair access to the Rushworth Composition Prize, we also accept video applications as part of this process. Please see the application form (link below) for details.
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