PRS offers grants for performance of contemporary orchestral works

PRS Foundation has announced the re-opening of its Resonate initiative, inviting UK orchestras to programme and perform the best British orchestral works of the last 25 years.

The initiative is a partnership between PRS Foundation, the Association of British Orchestras and broadcast partner BBC Radio 3.

Grants of up to £10,000 are on offer to orchestras that want to rehearse, programme, tour or promote a piece of music from the Resonate database, which includes works commissioned by UK orchestras in the past 25 years.

“Having repeat performances of new orchestral works is an important part of creating and establishing the classics of the future,” said Joe Frankland, CEO of PRS Foundation. 

“Orchestras can apply to programme, perform and promote fantastic contemporary orchestral pieces – many of which have not received the exposure they deserve.”

Mark Pemberton, Chief Executive at the Association of British Orchestras, said that the Resonate initiative has “helped forge a step-change in our members’ commitment to performing previously commissioned works. It has also helped the many composers whose works have been heard once again by the public”.

Support will be given to “orchestras who can demonstrate a commitment to presenting high quality contemporary UK repertoire which they will promote with the Resonate brand as part of a season, tour and longer-term audience development programme”.

The deadline to submit an application is October 3.