Rushworth Composition Prize

The Rushworth Composition Prize provides incredible opportunities for early‑career composers who write original music. In association with the Rushworth Foundation, the prize winner will be awarded £1000 and commissioned to compose a new work for Liverpool Philharmonic’s 10:10, our contemporary music ensemble.

During the commission period, the winner will take part in workshops, masterclasses and mentoring sessions with composers, musicians, conductors and other industry professionals who are friends of the Phil. A brand‑new commission, a work premiered by our musicians, and a long‑term creative relationship with the Phil – we’ll be there to support our winner through the start of their career and beyond.

Applications are now open – they’ll close at midday on 28 September 2026.

We’re looking for applications from composers who…

• are at an early stage in their composing career
• are at least 18 years old on 28 September 2026 – there’s no upper age limit
• currently live, work or were born in the North West (Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria) or are a registered student at a North West higher education institution
• have the right to work in the UK

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 Montserrat Fuentes‑Romero at  or call

To support fair access to the Rushworth Composition Prize, we also accept video applications as part of this process. Please see the application form for details.

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