I’m delighted to be a judge on this year’s BBC Young Composer competition. The panel comprises a wide range of composers and music makers including Shiva Feshareki, Benbrick, Becky Hill, Gavin Higgins and Errollyn Wallen. We welcome entries from young composers and music creators of any genre or background, aged 12-18. Winners will receive mentoring from a professional composer as they write a piece for performance or broadcast by the BBC Concert Orchestra - a priceless opportunity to learn from the best musicians and to have your music played to a wide audience on the BBC.

I know from first-hand experience what a uniquely brilliant opportunity BBC Young Composer is. Competitions for young instrumentalists are two a penny, but the next generation of composers have far fewer opportunities to showcase their creative talents. I’m genuinely excited to be judging this year, well over a decade on from when I entered the competition. I’m looking forward to hearing music that is bold, purposeful and remembers to communicate with the most important person in the room - the listener!

You have until Monday 28 June 2021 at 5pm to enter here. Good luck!