Judging panel and new series announced for BBC Young Composer Competition 2021

The BBC has announced the judging panel for its Young Composer Competition 2021 and has released a new series of filmed conversations for aspiring entrants.  

Through recorded Zoom conversations between two music professionals, young people can learn more about finding inspiration, getting their music heard, and dealing with writer’s block and self-doubt. The films available to watch now feature Isobel Waller-Bridge, Jess Gillam, LJ Rich, Errollyn Wallen, Martha Hill and Kitty Perrin. 

Also announced is the competition judging pane, which will include: 

Errollyn Wallen CBE, internationally renowned composer and performer

Gavin Higgins, innovative composer and composer-in-association at the BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Becky Hill, chart-topping singer-songwriter

Shiva Feshareki, experimental composer, turntablist, artists and BBC Young Composer winner 2004

Benbrick, multi-million selling songwriter, composer and Peabody award-winning producer

Lloyd Coleman, composer, clarinettist and associate music director of the Paraorchestra and Friends

Sarah Freestone, multi-instrumentalist, composer and member of the BBC Concert Orchestra 

David Pickard, director of the BBC Proms

Errollyn Wallen said: ‘I can’t wait to judge this year’s competition because, having mentored the latest BBC Young Composer winners I am convinced that this is a golden age for talented young composers everywhere.’

Benbrick said: ‘I’m so pleased to be a judge for the BBC Young Composer competition this year.  Every new thing you do as a composer can help tell your story, and in turn build your career. I know that for these young composers being involved in this competition will become a great foundation for their futures.’

Lloyd Coleman added: ‘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!’

Entries for the competition close on 28 June and it is open to 12- 18-year-olds of all technical abilities, backgrounds and musical influences. 

Watch ‘Composing the World Around You’ here. 

Find out more about the competition here.