On this page, Elif introduces herself in her own words, and shares links to her music, her website, and her social media platforms. We warmly invite programmers and commissioners to take a closer look at Elif's work, and please be in touch with us if you would like to connect with her.

About Elif

'I am Elif Nur Karlıdağ, a Turkish-British composer whose music flows between the musical languages of my intercultural background. My music is shaped by a fascination with multidisciplinary projects, community engagement, and stage productions.

My work is often grounded in stories of marginalised voices, alienation, and identity. Equally, I am fascinated by unconventional sound worlds, combining traditional and non-traditional instruments, and drawing on scale patterns and rhythmic practices from different musical cultures.

Collaborations with performers, visual artists, and writers have been vital in shaping my practice, and I see each project as a dialogue, an exchange of ideas that grows into something neither discipline could achieve alone. My influences range widely from folk traditions to contemporary opera, experimental theatre, and electronic music. Through all of this, I aim to create music that resonates emotionally while inviting audiences into unfamiliar but compelling soundscapes.'

Highlights

• In 2025, Elif's piece Such a Lovely Day / Not Such a Lovely Day, centred around the testimonies of some of the last surviving residents from the Foundling Hospital in London, was premiered by Philharmonia Orchestra musicians at the Royal Festival Hall.
• Elif collaborated with English National Opera on Finish This…, a children’s opera and education project reaching thousands of children across the UK in 2024.
• Her multimedia opera The Game received its premiere at the 2024 Tête-à-Tête Opera Festival in London.
• She was awarded The Musicians’ Company’s John Clementi Collard Fellowship in 2022.

Find out more

If you are interested in finding out more about Elif, hearing and and keeping up to date with her work, take a look at her website and social media below:

• Website
• X/Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Soundcloud

The RPS Composers programme could not happen without the support of RPS Members, PRS Foundation Talent Development Network supported by PPL, Delius Trust, Fidelio Charitable Trust, Garrick Charitable Trust, Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation, Idlewild Trust, John Ellerman Foundation, Marchus Trust, Presteigne Festival, Radcliffe Trust, RPS Susan Bradshaw Composers' Fund, RPS Thea Musgrave Fund, Vaughan Williams Foundation, and several anonymous donors.