We are accepting submissions to our 2023-24 NEXT programme!

We are looking for:

• Instrumental performers - flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, percussion, piano, harp, violin, viola, cello, double-bass
• Live electronics performer (one)
• Conductor (one)

 

Applications should be submitted to BCMG via email to [email protected] by 9 am on Monday 31 July 2023. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application within 2-3 business days.

Download Application form

Download Open Call info 2023-24

Suggested Repertoire List 

Please contact [email protected] for more information.

 

About the NEXT Musicians Study Programme

Through NEXT you will learn to perform some of the most inspiring and challenging works written in the last 70 years. You will receive coaching and one-to-one teaching sessions from BCMG players and world-famous soloists. You will have opportunities to perform, including side-by-side concerts with BCMG, and you will work directly with the world’s leading composers on the interpretation of their music.

You will gain precious insights on how to run a contemporary music organisation, and you will have the opportunity to take part in BCMG’s Learning Programme and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s community-based activities, thus developing another essential aspect of being a professional musician today.

 

Read our NEXT ex-student Case Studies

Read through our blogs featuring NEXTies

See what events BCMG NEXT have coming up

 

Eligibility

Postgraduate students at UK and European music institutions and recently graduated musicians.

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire applicants: undergraduate students that finished Year 4 of their BMus course in June 2023; postgraduate students starting their course in September 2023; current postgraduate students on the MMus/PgDip/APD courses; current doctoral researchers.

Costs

The cost of the programme is almost entirely subsidised by our main funders. The programme is free for participants. Nevertheless, we ask you to deposit a NEXT registration fee of 300 GBP; these will be paid back once rehearsals and concerts have taken place according to the schedule below.

 

Schedule of Activity 2023-2024

Rehearsals and concerts

25 September 2023               rehearsals for:

26 September 2023               concert with works by Hollie Harding and Ben Nobuto: fl, cl, vl, vcl, conductor

28-29 September 2023          rehearsals

2-3 October 2023                  rehearsals for:

4 October 2023                     concert with Ensemble conTempo Beijing: fl, piano, vl, vcl, conductor

18 October 2023                   concert with works by Elliott Carter: fl, ob, cl, bsn, piano, perc, vl, vla, vcl, db

2-6 April 2024                       rehearsals for:

7 April 2024                          concert fl, cl, piano, vl, vla, vcl, db, conductor: works by Hilda Paredes and Ondrej Adàmek

24-25 May 2024                     rehearsals for:

26 May 2024                          concert: fl, ob, cl, bsn, hrn, trp, trb, piano, 2 perc, 2 vl, vla, vcl, db

  

Individual teaching

Participants will receive one-to-one teaching from BCMG musicians/Royal Birmingham Conservatoire tutors focused on the performance of the NEXT 2023-24 repertoire list. These hours may be supplemented by additional individual and group sessions to address specific needs of individual students or performance projects. For Royal Birmingham Conservatoire students these lessons will come from their core teaching hours.

Coaching

Participants will receive specialised coaching on ensemble performance from BCMG musicians and international guest artists and will have the opportunity to work with leading composers on the performance of their music.

Opportunities

Full access to BCMG rehearsals is provided.

A modest remuneration will be provided to participants performing in the Side-by-Side concerts.

 

Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG)

BCMG is recognised as a world-leading new music ensemble, acclaimed internationally for its excellent performances, ambitious commissions and high-quality learning programme. Since our foundation in 1987, we have:

• Reached more than 10 million people;
• Given more than 500 concerts in over 190 venues;
• Performed across the UK and in Europe, Mexico, India and the USA; and
• Commissioned and premiered over 175 new works helping to launch the careers of many leading composers mainly through our renowned Sound Investment scheme.

BCMG’s Learning & Participation programme runs throughout the year in schools and in our home the CBSO Centre, Example projects include: Music Maze for 8-11 year olds which use contemporary repertoire as the stimulus for children’s own composing; Creative Composing Lab in which young people age 14-18 compose for BCMG musicians; and family concerts which present contemporary music in imaginative and interactive ways.

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, part of Birmingham City University, is a world class institution providing exceptional training for the musicians, actors, stage managers and performers of the future. The Conservatoire’s outstanding facilities attract the best and brightest students to Birmingham, along with internationally renowned performers and teachers. With limitless collaboration opportunities for staff and students, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is a stimulating environment with an international reputation which celebrates diversity.

  

 

Watch Will, NEXT conductor 2021-22, talk about his experience