At the Royal Philharmonic Society, we cherish composers and the music they give to the world. For over 200 years, we have supported composers to write music that inspires performers and audiences. With support from composer Thea Musgrave, and her husband, the conductor Peter Mark, the RPS Thea Musgrave Fund supports composers and performers dedicated to contemporary music.
Throughout Thea’s career, she has treasured having dedicated time to shape ideas with musicians. RPS Thea Musgrave Composition Grants support composers writing a new work for an established solo performer, duo, or chamber ensemble – not only contributing to their commission, but within each grant vitally giving them and their intended performers some means to devote focused workshop and rehearsal time to its creation. RPS Thea Musgrave Composition Grants have been given to:
2026
Alex Ho writing for mezzo soprano Fleur Barron
Charlotte Bray writing for Piatti Quartet
David John Roche writing for guitarist Gerard Cousins
Ryan Latimer writing for percussionist Colin Currie
Silvina Milstein writing for Fidelio Trio
2025
David Gorton writing for flautist Carla Rees
Emma-Ruth Richards writing for soprano Jennifer France
Robert Laidlow writing for baritone Peter Brathwaite
Samantha Fernando writing for viol consort Fretwork
Stuart MacRae writing for mezzo soprano Beth Taylor
Thea’s remarkable catalogue of compositions spans decades and is a veritable treasure trove for performers and programmers. We are committed to encouraging more musicians and musical organisations to delve in, discover and embrace Thea’s works, and share them with UK audiences. RPS Thea Musgrave Performance Grants help performers, ensembles, festivals and venues to put Thea’s music at the heart of their UK programming, and distinctively promote it to captivate audiences. RPS Thea Musgrave Performance Grants have been awarded to:
2026
Buxton International Festival
Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
London Festival of Contemporary Church Music
Lucy Schaufer – mezzo soprano
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
2025
Elgar Festival
Hebrides Ensemble
London Symphony Orchestra
Marsyas Trio in collaboration with mezzo soprano Lotte Betts-Dean
We are grateful to composer Thea Musgrave and her husband, conductor Peter Mark, for their generous support of these grants, and to RPS Members, who make all of our charitable work possible.
