NYCGB new music programme gets boost from new sponsor Steinberg

Harriet Clifford
Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Announced as NYCGB’s Principal Innovation Sponsor, Steinberg will provide direct support to the choirs’ New Music Programme and emerging professional artists programmes.

NYCGB Young Composer scheme fellows learn how to use Dorico
NYCGB Young Composer scheme fellows learn how to use Dorico

The newly enhanced partnership between the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (NYCGB) and Steinberg will see three new pieces commissioned in 2021, and financial support and benefits for the members of the choirs’ Young Composers and Fellowship schemes.

British-Iranian experimental composer, turntablist and artist Shiva Feshareki has been commissioned to write a new work for the National Youth Choir, while British composer Joanna Marsh will write a new piece for the National Youth Girls’ Choir.

The sponsorship will also enable a graduate from the 2020 Young Composers Scheme to write a new piece for the National Youth Training Choir. 

Members of the current Young Composers and Fellowship schemes will benefit from access to free licenses and training in Dorico Pro notation software, which helps write music notation and can print and play back. 

NYCGB Young Composer 2021, Derri Joseph, Lewis said: ‘The Dorico programme has a very thoughtfully designed architecture and philosophy. 

‘Rather than clutter the screen with menus, Dorico is organised into five “tabs” that cleverly mimic the process of music-making allowing an experience that closely resembles working with paper and pencil. We are all so grateful to Steinberg for supporting this year’s Young Composers and Fellows.’

Ben Parry, NYCGB artistic director and principal conductor said: ‘We are thrilled to have developed this partnership with Steinberg which enhances our work across a number of areas. 

‘Steinberg’s specialist expertise is of huge benefit to NYCGB, and directly supports the emerging professional singers and composers of the future as well as enabling the creation of exciting new choral music, through our New Music Programme.’

Daniel Spreadbury, Steinberg’s product marketing manager said: ‘Building on the first year of our partnership in 2020, we are proud to be able to support NYCGB’s Young Composers scheme and the commissioning of new music in 2021. 

‘The musical experiences provided to young people from all around the UK by NYCGB are vital and invaluable, and Steinberg is delighted to play a small part in helping the organisation make it happen.’

NYCGB works with Music Education Hubs and other partners around the country to support increased access to singing opportunities for young people regardless of background or circumstances. More about the choirs’ work in schools can be found here.

www.nycgb.org.uk