A New Memory for five Young Composers

Since moving to the UK, Jorge has been enriched by the experience of working closely with established musicians and mentors. “Everyone has treated me with kindness and respect. What I have found especially refreshing is the genuine openness across the LPO as an organisation. Whether speaking with a violinist, the CEO, or the President of the Orchestra, there is always a sense of approachability and mutual respect.”

Jorge’s composition SOHO promises a unique experience with the intense journey of composing this piece being reflected in its themes. An exploration of perception, time and place, crafted through a collision of eras, it immerses listeners in a hybrid sonic world that evokes sensory overstimulation, mirroring the confabulated memories and chaotic beauty of urban life. When asked to define his piece in three words, he confidently stated, “Authentic, irreverent, and challenging.”

The programme has become an extension of Joy’s musical journey. “I grew up singing all the time,” she recalled. “In primary school, I started playing the violin and got involved in local youth orchestras, soul bands, jazz bands and choirs. Then, I started piano lessons in secondary school and began writing songs pretty quickly.” This laid a strong foundation for Joy’s evolution as a composer. Her first piece, a heartfelt composition for voice and cello titled Little Birds, was inspired by her childhood experiences. Joy described it as “about being a child and feeling unheard, but hopeful that one day you’ll find your voice and fly”, and emotion that resonated powerfully with her listeners.

The culmination of Joy’s Young Composers journey will be the premiere of her composition titled Tamēssa, inspired by the River Thames and the idea of places developing over time. Described by Joy as rhythmic, flowing and sprightly, she shared, “We can never have an objective human witness, but I like that Tamēssa sounds like a name.”

Daniel’s experience captures the essence of what the programme aims to achieve, allowing early-career musicians to grow and develop with the support, care and knowledge that exists within a world-class organisation like the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Looking ahead to the performance at Debut Sounds on 2 July , Daniel shares his excitement about collaborating with fellow artists. “I’m particularly happy to share the experience with the Foyle Future First musicians and New Poets Collective. This project is giving us a touchstone for a future that we can feel encouraged to collaborate in,” he explains. His gratitude is palpable, and accompanied with a sense of relief too: “We, the composers, have committed so much of ourselves and our own time to this project while dealing with the increasing uncertainties attached to life as a young creative professional.”

“When I was in sixth form, I realised I wanted more than just to play. I wanted to be a part of something new and create things that had never been performed – that’s when I realised I wanted to pursue composition.” Those early beginnings in composition led her to write a poignant piece at 17 while attending the National Youth Orchestra of Wales composition course, led by Mark Bowden. “My first piece was a trombone concertino about the suffragette movement and Emily Davison’s sacrifice for women’s rights,” she says. “We toured it around Wales, and I conducted every performance.” This experience solidified Niamh’s identity as a composer and paved the way for her future works.

Debut Sounds will see the premiere of Niamh’s latest composition, titled LoveHate: Reminiscence, and showcases her evolution as an artist. “I would describe it as enchanted, tricksy, and chaotic,” which encapsulates the complexity and emotion of her work.

The programme offers a comprehensive glimpse into the professional world of composition, something Zach finds incredibly valuable. He explains, “The scheme has been an excellent introduction to all the facets of being a professional composer that aren’t necessarily discussed in the day to day.” This opportunity has allowed him to gain insights that are often overlooked in traditional educational settings.

One of the significant highlights for Zach has been collaborating with the Orchestra. With the support of mentors and collaboration with professional orchestras, aspiring composers can truly find their voices and achieve their ambitions in the competitive landscape of music. Zach’s experiences serve as a reminder of the transformative power of mentorship, and the importance of hands-on experience in shaping the careers of emerging artists.