Cambridge Summer Music is proud to share news of their ‘Young Composers Workshop 2025’, a transformative opportunity for aspiring composers aged 21 and under to develop their skills and hear their original works performed by professional musicians. This is the third year running this ambitious project.
Taking place on Saturday, 12 July 2025, at Churchill College, Cambridge, this inspiring workshop offers young talents the chance to compose for a string trio (violin, viola, cello) and receive expert guidance from acclaimed composer Ewan Campbell. The workshop will form part of the 2025 Cambridge Summer Music Festival and will be open to the public. There will be a morning and afternoon session, ending with a celebratory performance of all the pieces.
Empowering the Next Generation of Composers
This exclusive event, run in collaboration with Cambridge Youth Music, is designed to nurture creativity and provide hands-on experience in composition. By working directly with professional musicians, participants will refine their craft, gain valuable insights with expert feedback, and witness their musical ideas come to life. The professional musicians performing the new compositions will be Freya Goldmark (violin), Chihiro Ono (viola), and Val Welbanks (cello).
Participation for this event is free, with the option of a donation to support the ongoing costs of the project. Shaping the Future of Music
Cambridge Summer Music remains dedicated to fostering young talent, championing fresh voices, and enriching the classical music landscape. The Young Composers Workshop is a rare opportunity for emerging composers to gain exposure and experience in an immersive, collaborative setting.
“There are few opportunities for young composers to get help with composing, let alone hear their pieces performed by professional musicians,” said Clare Gilmour, Administrator of Cambridge Summer Music. “Our composing workshops are hugely appreciated by those taking part. They learn so much from the feedback they receive and from hearing their pieces played.”
“Supporting the next generation of musicians and composers is a cause very close to our hearts at CSM,” said Festival Director Ben Johnson. “We are delighted to be once again running this Young Composers Workshop as part of the Festival.”
How to Apply
Interested composers should submit their original string trio compositions by 21 June 2025. Pieces should be no longer than 3 minutes, and entries must be submitted as PDF files or handwritten manuscripts via clare.gilmour2@gmail.com
Find out more and apply to take part: https://cambridgesummermusic.com/young-composers-workshop-2025/ About Cambridge Summer Music – www.cambridgesummermusic.com/
Since 1980, Cambridge Summer Music (CSM) has brought world-class music and musicians to Cambridge for the enjoyment of everyone in the city and the wider area.
CSM’s annual Summer Music Festival makes an important contribution to the cultural life of our great city, with a programme of high-quality concerts throughout July including performances by outstanding soloists, chamber ensembles, choirs, orchestras and bands. Each year, we entertain around 15,000 local, national and international concertgoers of all ages and backgrounds.
We also support talented young artists through new music commissions and performance opportunities. In the coming years, the trustees of CSM have pledged to increase their commitment to music awareness and education for children in the wider Cambridge area.
All our concerts are presented in historic and beautiful venues, including college chapels, city churches, concert halls and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. These venues offer opportunities for audiences to visit and experience wonderful Cambridge places and spaces, such as College chapels and precincts, to which they might otherwise have little access.
Cambridge Summer Music is a registered charity and is led by its board of trustees.
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