EMPOWER 2027

YOUR STAGE, YOUR CHOICE

The EMPOWER 2027 tour celebrates the creativity and visibility of women composers in classical and contemporary music.


Across five performances in London, Cardiff, Dublin, Glasgow and Manchester, we invite applications from chamber ensembles and individual composers for our March 2027 tour.


We are passionate about creating opportunities for women composers to have their music heard, supporting both new works and further performances of existing compositions.


The programme will be curated around the 2026/27 OpusHER commission by Phoenix Rousiamani, written for mezzo-soprano Lotte Betts-Dean and ensemble.

TWO ROUTES TO APPLY

  • We invite applications from existing chamber ensembles of 3–8 players to propose a distinctive programme of works by women composers.


    You can propose up to three works, with a total programme length of 10–12 minutes.

  • We invite individual composers to submit one work of up to 10 minutes, with 3–8 confirmed performers.


    Your performers can be members of an established ensemble or musicians brought together specifically for your work.


    We welcome both works seeking their first performance and existing compositions that deserve another opportunity to be heard.

Apply as am Ensemble
Apply as a Composer

Dates, locations & more information

    • London
      King’s Place, Friday 5 March 2027

    • Cardiff
      Cardiff University, Sunday 7 March 2027

    • Dublin
      Royal Irish Academy of Music, Thursday 11 March 2027

    • Glasgow
      Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Friday 12 March 2027

    • Manchester
      Stoller Hall, Wednesday 24 March 2027

  • Music can be of any genre, and we encourage creative, distinctive and boundary-defying proposals.


    All proposed works must be by women composers. We welcome applications from cis and trans women, as well as non-binary people who identify with the focus of our programme.


    Performers can be from across the gender spectrum.


    Applicants can apply to multiple cities, but each successful applicant will only be offered one performance. Priority will be given to applicants based in the city they are applying to.


    This is a paid performance opportunity. All selected composers and performers will receive an artist fee. Travel and accommodation expenses cannot be covered, so we encourage applicants to consider the performance closest to where they are based.

Applications for EMPOWER 2027 close Friday 4 December at 11:59pm

For full application requirements and more, see our FAQs below before applying

Frequently Asked Questions

General questions

  • We welcome applications from existing chamber ensembles of 3-8 players and individual composers submitting a composition for performance by 3-8 confirmed performers.

    We welcome applications from cis and trans women, as well as non-binary people who identify with the focus of our programme. Performers can be from across the gender spectrum.

  • EMPOWER is primarily a classical contemporary organisation but we welcome applications with music of any genre. We encourage creative, distinctive and boundary-defying proposals that showcase the breadth of music by women composers.

  • No. Performers can be from across the gender spectrum. The eligibility criteria relate to the applicants and composers, not the gender of the performers.

  • Yes. You can express interest in multiple tour dates. However, each successful applicant will only be offered one performance.

    For chamber ensembles, a separate application must be submitted for each city. Composers can select multiple cities within a single application.

  • No. Applications are welcome from across the UK and Ireland. However, priority will be given to applicants based locally to the city they are applying to.

    We cannot cover travel or accommodation expenses, so we encourage applicants to consider the performance closest to where they are based to be cost effective and considerate to the environment.

  • All events will take place in the evening, and performances will be sometime between 7-9.30pm at every venue. Further information on timings and rehearsal availability will be confirmed upon successful application.

  • Yes. All selected composers and performers will receive an artist fee. The fee will be confirmed upon successful application.

  • Applications will be assessed by a selection panel on the quality and suitability of the proposed repertoire, the strength and originality of the programme or composition, instrumentation, and motivation to take part.

    For ensemble applications, we will also consider the quality and suitability of the ensemble and the variety of programming across the tour to ensure we showcase the depth and breadth of women’s music, honouring the past, present and future.

  • We will contact all applicants with an outcome before Christmas 2026. All applicants will be notified, whether successful or unsuccessful.

  • Yes. The ensemble application is intended for existing chamber ensembles of 3-8 players.

    If you are a composer bringing together musicians specifically to perform your own work, please apply through the composer route instead.

  • You can propose up to three works, with a total programme duration of 10-12 minutes.

  • Yes. All proposed works must be by women composers.

  • Yes. You must complete a separate application form for each city you wish to be considered for.

    Please note that an ensemble will only be offered a maximum of one performance, even if applying for multiple cities.

  • We want to hear a recording of your ensemble playing together. Please submit a recording of one of the pieces you are proposing for this application, where possible. If you do not have a recording of any of your proposed repertoire, you may instead submit a recording that you feel best demonstrates your ensemble’s playing.

    However, if any of the pieces you are proposing does not have a publicly accessible recording, you must provide a recording of your ensemble playing that piece as part of your application. This allows us to hear the repertoire before considering it for the programme. Unfortunately, we can’t consider proposals that include repertoire we are unable to hear before the performance.

    Please provide a non-expiring link that can be accessed without requesting permission.

Applying as a chamber ensemble

Applying as a composer

  • Absolutely. We are passionate about supporting women composers by creating opportunities for both new works and existing compositions to reach audiences.

    We welcome works seeking their first performance, as well as compositions that have already received one or more performances.

  • Your submitted work should be no longer than 10 minutes.

  • Yes. You must have all performers confirmed at the point of application, including their names and instruments.

  • No. Your performers can be members of an existing ensemble or musicians brought together specifically to perform your work.

  • Yes. Composers are welcome to perform in their own work, provided the proposed performers meet the 3-8 player requirement.

  • If you are considering applying in this way, please contact us at team@empowerwcm.com to explain your proposal. We will advise on the most appropriate application route.


  • Yes. A recording of your submitted composition is required. We welcome live recordings, but MIDI recordings are also accepted where a live recording is not available.

  • However, you will only be offered one performance if selected.

    Yourself and your proposed performers must be confirmed and available for every city you select.

  • The EMPOWER 2027 tour will visit five cities:

    • London - King’s Place, Friday 5 March 2027

    • Cardiff - Cardiff University, Sunday 7 March 2027

    • Dublin - RIAM, Thursday 11 March 2027

    • Glasgow - Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Friday 12 March 2027

    • Manchester - Stoller Hall, Wednesday 24 March 2027

  • Yes. A grand piano will be available at every venue.

  • Unfortunately, EMPOWER cannot cover travel or accommodation expenses. We therefore encourage applicants to apply for the performance closest to where they are based.

  • Applications close at 11:59pm on Friday 4 December 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

  • Please read all the FAQs carefully as they have been designed to answer your questions, but if you have any further questions then please email team@empowerwcm.com and we will be happy to help.

Practical information