About the ISCM
The International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM) is an international network of members from around fifty countries, devoted to the promotion and presentation of new and contemporary music. Sound and Music represents the British Section of the ISCM and supports British composers to have work performed at the annual ISCM World New Music Days Festival. This takes place in a different member nation each year, most recently in New Zealand, Estonia, and China.
World New Music Days Festival
The prestigious annual World New Music Days Festival is the principal vehicle through which the ISCM pursues its mission, which can be described as a "platform for musical exchange and a showcase of world contemporary music without prejudice or bias on differences in musical expressions, styles, genres or media". It is organised and funded by the member Sections (countries) each year, and acts as a meeting place for organisations, performers and composers from around the world.
The festival takes places on consecutive days, however, the host nation has some flexibility in determining the individual themes that drive the programming of the festival, either presenting a showcase of activity from around the world, or applying other criteria for the selection and programming of works.
One composer from each member country has the opportunity to have their work performed and attend, after applying via their country's section and being selected from a shortlist by the associate member's panel.
ISCM World New Music Days Festival 2023 will take place in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, from 24 November to 3 December 2023. The British Section will be represented by Soosan Lolavar, with her piece, I am the Spring, You are the Earth.
The ISCM World New Music Days Festival 2024 will take place in the Faroe Islands, from 23 to 30 June 2024.
Previous ISCM British Section representatives
2023: Soosan Lolavar
2021: Conrad Asman
2020: Joe Cutler
2019: Claudia Molitor
2018: Ryan Latimer
ISCM British Section Panel Members
Annie Mahtani (Chair)
Susanna Eastburn
Lore Lixenberg
Jeremy Evans
Ryan Latimer
Ed McKeon
Katie Tearle
Samantha Fernando
How do I apply?
1. Read the full Call Document including Works Categories.
2. Submit an online application by using the online application form.
Apply for the 2024 Call for Works on Airtable here
Deadline for applications: 22 September, 11.59pm
Any questions? Email Grace Bailey (grace.bailey@soundandmusic.org)
Accessibility
If you have access needs which would mean additional financial support is needed in order for you to undertake work as part of this award, please let us know in your application. If you require access support in order to fill out the application form, please get in touch using the email address above.
How are the shortlisted works selected?
Two members of the ISCM British Section will review submitted pieces and select six works for submission to the International Jury. Our submissions need to cover at least four of the listed categories. Provided Sound and Music meets these requirements, it is guaranteed that at least one work submitted by ISCM Britain will be included in the World Music Days Festival.
Composers from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Composers from Wales are eligible to apply to either the Welsh Section or the British Section, bearing in mind the stipulation that composers may only submit one work in total. Anyone living and working in Wales is encouraged to apply via the Welsh Section which is administered by Ty Cerdd.
Composers from Scotland are eligible to apply to either the Scottish Associate Section or the British Section, bearing in mind the stipulation that composers may only submit one work in total. Anyone living and working in Scotland is encouraged to apply via the Scottish Associate section which is administered by the Scottish Music Centre and New Music Scotland.
Composers from Northern Ireland are permitted to apply to either the Irish or the British Section, bearing in mind the stipulation that composers may only submit one work in total.
The ISCM British Section 2021 Shortlist: (clockwise from top left) Carmen Ho, Conrad Asman, Simon Le Boggit, Grace-Evangeline Mason, Robin Haigh, Fintan O'Hare.
ISCM British Section 2020
The ISCM British Section 2020 Shortlist: (clockwise from top left) James Moriarty, Joe Cutler, Matthew Kaner, Naomi Pinnock, Manuella Blackburn, Tom Coult
ISCM British Section 2019
Listen
McNulty - Joe Cutler
Joe Cutler's McNulty was selected for the ISCM 2020 British Section.
"The piece takes some inspiration from the American TV drama series ‘The Wire’, concerning itself with ideas of what is pertinent and non-pertinent material, 2nd generation heritage (in this case Irish-American), and musical structures that go off the rails."
Auricularis Superior - Claudia Molitor
"To experience Auricularis Superior the listener is encouraged to find a comfortable, stimulating or intriguing place to sit, lie down or amble through whilst the 30 minute piece weaves together stories, field-recordings and music. Ideally the piece is heard through headphones."
Have a question about this programme or projects? Wondering if this programme is right for you? Unsure about how it works?
If you have any questions, please contact: info@soundandmusic.org
We are grateful to The Bliss Trust for the Arthur Bliss Travel Award, which supports composers to travel to ISCM.
Sound and Music encourages our audiences to join the Bliss Society.
See also
Composer-Curator is a composer-led and curated national touring programme which supports outstanding live and digital music projects and events.
Adopt a Music Creator is a unique scheme, developed in partnership with Making Music UK, that pairs composers with leisure-time music ensembles and groups to collaborate on the creation of a new piece.
The Francis Chagrin Awards offer composers small grants of up to £500 to support their work through self-learning projects, equipment, mentoring, and other direct costs for a project or artist development.