Guidelines for Composers
Criteria
Composition: Wales 2026 with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales 11-13 February 2026
Submissions are welcomed from composers who can meet the following criteria:
• Born, living or studying in Wales
• Over 18
Composers may submit up to 2 works to be considered for the project.
Scores previously performed by a professional orchestra will not be considered for Composition: Wales.
We strongly encourage those who have not previously taken part in Composition: Wales to apply. However, submissions from composers previously selected for Composition: Wales will be accepted. Prior participation will be taken into consideration in the selection process to allow for exposure for the widest selection of composers possible.
Submission Deadline
Sunday 28 September 2025 by 2300
Maximum duration
10 minutes. Please note that scores of a shorter duration are welcome. Composers are requested to ensure that accurate durations are provided. For works with multiple movements, composers should indicate which movement they would prefer to be considered for the project.
BBC NOW Orchestra size
Applicants can submit a composition for a maximum orchestration of: 2[1.2/pic/afl].2[1.2/ca].2[1.2/bcl].2[1.2/cbn] | 4.2.3.1 | T | *2P | Hp | Str[12.10.8.6.4]
*Max 2 percussion players, please find below a list of the instruments available to you for each player:
Player 1 - Bass Drum, Tenor Drum, Snare Drum, 5 temple blocks, Glockenspiel, 4 Toms, Tam Tam, 1 suspended cymbal (any variety), smaller handheld instruments i.e tambourine, claves, triangle, guiro, maracas, etc.
Player 2 - 2 Toms, 2 Bongos, 1 suspended cymbal (any variety), 2 gongs (low pitch - middle pitchindefinite pitch, character of instrument only), Xylo or Vibes, Tam Tam, Marimba, smaller handheld instruments i.e tambourine, claves, triangle, guiro, maracas, etc.
For further clarity on any of the orchestration, please contact our librarian naomi.j.roberts@bbc.co.uk. Please note that the standard symphony orchestral layout in the hall should be adhered to as there will not be time during the days to reset the orchestra.
What does the project involve?
Successful composers will be expected to work with the Composition: Wales mentor, BBC NOW Librarian and BBC NOW musicians in the run up to the project (in person or remotely) to ensure their submitted work is developed, revised and well prepared ahead of the project.
Successful composers will be expected to attend all sessions at Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff on 11-13 February 2026, in person.
All Composition: Wales activities 11-13 February 2026 will be audio-recorded for the Composers’ reference.
Schedule for Composition: Wales 2026
Sunday 28 September 2025 by 2300
Deadline for submission of scores to BBC NOW.
Monday 20 October 2025
Shortlisted candidates notified.
Monday 3 November 2025
Composers get together online with Composition Mentor & Education Producer.
November 2025
• Digital mentoring session with Composition Mentor and Conductor (in person or remotely) – to be arranged directly between mentor, conductor and composer.
• Digital meeting with BBC NOW Librarian (in person or remotely) – to be arranged directly between librarian and composer.
December 2025
• Written feedback provided by BBC NOW musicians for consideration when editing.
• Digital mentoring session with Composition Mentor (in person or remotely) - to be arranged directly between mentor and composer.
Friday 9 January 2026
Deadline for shortlisted composers to:
o Submit final version of scores/parts to BBC NOW librarian
o Submit short biography, programme note and photograph for programme.
Wednesday 11 February 2026, BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff
1400-1700 Composition: Wales 2026 Workshops - open to the public 1800-2100 Composition: Wales 2026 Workshops - open to the public
Thursday 12 February 2026, BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff
1000-1300 Composition: Wales 2026 Workshops - open to the public 1400-1700 Composition: Wales 2026 Workshops - open to the public
Friday 13 February 2026, BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff
14:30-17:30 Rehearsal – not open to public and no live stream
19:00 Composition: Wales 2026 Concert - open to the public & live streamed 20:30 Post Concert Reception
• Before submitting your composition please complete this online entry form: https://forms.office.com/e/1EqvrtDtyj?origin=lprLink
• After completing the online entry form please submit: o a PDF* of your score o a midi realisation audio file
You can submit your score and midi file here: https://www.dropbox.com/request/ZG2fHsB2f7DuJoQgmy1z If you have difficulty with this link, please contact rhonwen.jones@bbc.co.uk.
*To ensure the selection process is anonymous, please ensure your name is not noted anywhere on the pages of the score itself. You can label your files with your name, as we can anonymise that easily once received.
• Hand-written scores will be accepted if neat and legible. Please send this to: Composition: Wales 2026, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, BBC Hoddinott Hall, Bute Place, Cardiff, CF10 5AL
Please note there will be a staff change over throughout the submission period as Rachel is only covering maternity. If you have any questions or queries between now and mid-August, please contact Rachel on rachel.naylor03@bbc.co.uk If you have any questions or queries after midAugust, please contact Rhonwen who will be the producer for Composition Wales 2026 on rhonwen.jones@bbc.co.uk