Nonclassical, a music promoter, record label and events producer, are commissioning four composers from diverse backgrounds currently taking part in the Nonclassical Artist in Residence (AiR) scheme to write for orchestra.
The four highly talented composers chosen are Beatrice Ferreira, Harry Górski-Brown, Kendra Chiagoro-Noel (NWAKKE), and Nneka Cummins. They were selected from an open call of over 250 applicants.
The composers are commissioned to write works that represent a diverse cross-section from across the UK in terms of musical style, genre and background.
Nonclassical AiR (Artists in Residence) is supporting these four emerging composers with two paid commissions (for professional orchestra and Contemporary Music for All) and a release on a Nonclassical compilation album. Commissions for orchestra are very rare – especially from emerging artists.
Commissioning these composers at Musicians Union rates, they offer them supportive mentoring and development time with the orchestra. They also offer the four artists the opportunity to compose for either Southbank Sinfonia or Her Ensemble, with each work receiving its premiere in 2025.
Nonclassical is taking part in the Christmas Challenge to raise £15,000 in just one week! These donations will be used for Nonclassical AiR (Artists in Residence), supporting the four composers to each create a piece for professional orchestra. By donating, you’ll be supporting the creation of four new works which wouldn’t otherwise exist, giving these composers well-deserved space within institutions that are typically difficult to access.
Development work and commission fees quickly add up to thousands of pounds – significant sums for a charity like theirs without core funding. That’s why they are asking you to be part of changing history by reshaping who is able to have work commissioned and performed. Please help them remove barriers for these artists so they can dedicate the time necessary to make extraordinary new work, relevant to modern Britain.
They are seeking to raise £7,500 through online donations during the campaign week. This will be match funded by their Pledgers and Champion (The Reed Foundation) to total £15,000. The Big Give Christmas Challenge is the UK’s biggest fundraising event, taking place from 12pm Tuesday 28 November to 12pm Tuesday 5 December 2023. Two watercolour paintings by Bob and Roberta Smith RA will be auctioned as part of the campaign.
Donate to Nonclassical and see your donation doubled through the Big Give Christmas Challenge.
With your support, they can ensure that diverse and underrepresented voices have the opportunity to write for a typically gate-kept artform. DONNE’s shocking 2022 report showed almost 9 in 10 pieces performed by orchestras around the world are written by white men. Isn’t it exciting to imagine another world, where more diverse stories, cultures and backgrounds are represented?
Natalia Franklin Pierce, Executive Director at Nonclassical tells us:
“This is the first time Nonclassical is taking part in the Christmas Challenge – meaning every single donation we receive up to £7,500 will be doubled – a fantastic opportunity to support diverse new voices in contemporary music.
This is a great opportunity to enliven the classical music sector to be more representative of the glorious diversity of the UK.
We hope everyone gives generously so we can continue delivering the work we feel so passionately about during these uncertain times and without core funding – supporting the next generation of artists from any background to have rare opportunities like this and giving new audiences to classical music a sense of belonging by hearing work written by people like them.”
Every donation made will be generously matched by their Big Give Pledgers and our Champion (The Reed Foundation), meaning your money goes twice as far. Ensure your legacy by supporting these commissions, and help usher in four new works that wouldn’t exist otherwise.
This is how you can get involved?
● Visit BigGive.org during the campaign week to double your donation.
● Share this worthy campaign by email, tweet, Facebook post, Instagram or LinkedIn.
● Let the world know you’ve supported them to encourage others to follow suit by sharing!
