NYCGB announces its 2021 Young Composers and Fellows

Harriet Clifford
Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Eight musicians aged 22 to 26 have been selected for the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain’s 2021 Young Composers and Fellowship programmes.

(top, l-r) Michael McCartan, Benedict Goodall, Shivani Rattan, Elizabeth Leather; (bottom, l-r) Kristina Arakelyan, Anna Disley-Simpson, Alexander Ho and Derri Joseph Lewis

The schemes each offer a fully funded, year-long programme of unique professional development opportunities to emerging professionals from a range of backgrounds and musical genres.

Offered places on the Young Composers Scheme are:

Kristina Arakelyan, 26, originally from Armenia
Alex Ho, 26, from London
Anna Disley-Simpson, 24, from Dorset
Derri Joseph Lewis, 23, from Berkshire

The 2021 Fellows are:

Michael McCartan, 24, from Newry Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Benedict Goodall, 23, from Oxford
Shivani Rattan, 22, from North East London
Elizabeth Leather, 26, from Worcestershire

For emerging composers aged 18-29, the Young Composers Scheme champions development, innovation and diversity in new choral music. Those selected will benefit from residential courses, creative retreats, workshops, peer and professional mentoring, performance showcases and expert advice and tuition from distinguished composers.

The Fellowship programme is for emerging choral leaders aged 20-27 and focuses on career, education, performance and leadership.

Composer Kristina Arakelyan said: ‘Joining the NYCGB Young Composer Scheme will provide me with the opportunity to try out new composition techniques without pressure, being mentored and having an international release and publication are all incredible opportunities which will be very beneficial for me as an early-career composer.’

Ben Parry NYCGB artistic director and principal conductor said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome eight highly talented musicians to our 2021 Young Composer and Fellowship schemes. With their diverse backgrounds, unique talent, styles and influences we are confident they will all thrive on our programmes. Developing talent and enriching the choral music sector for the future has never felt more important.’

View the Young Composers’ profiles.
View the Fellows’ profiles.