2024 Harold Smart Memorial Composition Competition for Young Composers
The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) has just launched the 2024 Harold Smart Memorial Composition Competition. This invites individuals 25 and under (as of 1 July 2024) to compose an original anthem – a fresh, innovative work that inspires and uplifts, suitable for performance in a church setting.
For experienced and new composers alike, this is an excellent opportunity to showcase talent and make a significant contribution to sacred music. The text to be used has been written by Dr Canon Gordon Giles.
The winner will receive a cash prize of £300, as well as £200 of composition tuition (with an agreed tutor), with the possibility of publication by the RSCM.
Closing date for submissions: 31st October 2024
Full information, including submission guidelines and how to enter here
ABOUT THE ROYAL SCHOOL OF CHURCH MUSIC
The RSCM is the Salisbury-based, national, independent charity enabling the flourishing of church music. As the central ‘home’ of church music, RSCM provides relevant education, training and resources to its membership, the wider church, and beyond. It is committed to encouraging the best of music in worship, and to advocating music as a tool for growth of the church.
The RSCM supports thousands of Affiliated churches across the UK and worldwide through its international partners. In addition, it also supports many schools and Individual members, and its work is sustained by thousands of Friends, Regular Givers and other donors.
The RSCM is an open, life-long learning organisation, offering face-to-face and distance education and training through its programmes, published resources, courses and activities.
Founded by Sir Sydney Nicholson in 1927, the RSCM’s original emphases were English and choral. Now, in a diverse international context, the RSCM’s work is far broader and more diverse, and aims to make all its work ecumenical in purpose, nature and content.
HM The King is the RSCM’S Royal Patron, and its president is The Most Revd and Rt Hon The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. The organisation celebrates its centenary in 2027.
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