While you are here...a short blast from the past..... a film of Susannah Self's Freedom Bridge commissioned by Birmingham Opera Company 2017. Directed by Anthony Almeida. Now published by Composers Edition 

OPEN CALL FOR COMPOSERS

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

After the success of our 2023-24 Brum Commissions supported by PRS Foundation, we were keen to hear from composers and creatives as we take our next steps in growing this exciting strand of new work here at Birmingham Opera Company. You can watch some of our previous Brum Commissions here. This year we have some exciting provocations as a starting point for developing the work for which we are keen to see the creative responses. 

All our work involves communities in Birmingham and we look for opportunities for all artists to have direct contact with the people of Brum at all stages of making work. We open up the process and discover together. As part of our ambitious new programme to develop new work, Birmingham Opera Company wants to commission three composers/creatives to create new short pieces. The works will be presented in 2026.

Indicative scale: works of 5-10 minutes' duration for 1 singer and 1-2 instrumentalists, for a 2-3 day rehearsal period.

Commission fee: £2,500 per composer or creative team (e.g. writer & composer - the team must include a composer).

Commission provocations

We would like to commission the following works all of which should be suitable for performance in public space:

• PIECE FOR SOLOIST AND MOVEMENT CHORUS/ DANCERS*
• PIECE FOR SOLOIST AND CHORUS*
• PIECE FOR SOLOIST AND PERCUSSION

*NOTE: Like all our work there are both professional and volunteer performers in the chorus

What we’re looking for

We're looking for work that explores any theme but are particularly interested in the following points:

• Works from artists with roots in or who are based in the West Midlands.
• Works which have an interesting story to tell which have the potential to be developed through this process.
• We welcome expressions of interest from composers working in all musical idioms, especially those that represent the cultural traditions of people in Birmingham/West Midlands. You do not need to have previous experience in opera.
• Works that consider the inclusion of volunteers in the development and/or presentation of the work.

Birmingham Opera Company welcomes applicants from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, including Black and minoritised ethnicities, d/Deaf and disabled people, working class backgrounds and LGBTQ+ identifying.

Timeline

Friday 13th June 2025: Deadline for expressions of interest (at 12pm, noon).

Autumn 2025 dates TBC: Research and development time.

Spring 2026 dates TBC: Rehearsals and performances.

Expressions of interest 

We invite composers to submit our expression of interest form, which includes the following:

• A short letter or video (maximum 1 side A4 or 2-minute video) setting out initial ideas and inspiration, including where the text would come from, how you would include volunteers and what form the music would be likely to take. Please note that we are not necessarily looking for fully-formed ideas at this stage.
• A short CV or biography.
• 1 example of a previous work, preferably accessible online.

To express your interest, complete this form: CLICK HERE

If you have any questions about Brum Commissions please contact Diandra McCalla our Creative Producer: [email protected] or 07522 358846.