The recipients of the 2023 RPS Henderson Chamber Ensemble Award are Chameleon and the Fibonacci Quartet. Click on their names to read their stories and find out how we are supporting them.

Who is it open to?

The Award is open to chamber ensembles of ensembles of 3 - 10 performers of any nationality, based in the UK throughout 2024-25, in any combination of string, wind, brass, keyboard or percussion instruments, with the majority of players aged between 18 and 30 at the application closing date. Ensembles must have performed together for a minimum of 2 years: in your application, please specify when the group was formed.

Musicians must be based in the UK and, if from outside of the EU, have the necessary visas to enable them to perform regularly in the UK (without the need for individual work permits). The aim of the group must be to establish themselves as a performing ensemble and to develop the scope of the ensemble repertoire.

We are continually striving to address how we can minimise barriers to the widest possible range of applicants and are proud to have adopted Sound and Music's Fair Access Principles. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented demographics, such as those who are Black, Asian and ethnically diverse, those who are working class and those who are disabled. If you sense that anything in these guidelines could deter you or another eligible candidate from applying, or if there’s anything you’d like to talk to us about, please do get in touch, using the contact details below. We would be happy to hear from you.

Key Dates

The closing date for applications is 11am on Wednesday 2 October 2024. As noted above, applications for this year have now closed, and will reopen in May 2025.

We will be in touch with all applicants in mid-October, inviting those shortlisted to audition. Auditions are set to take place in London on Sunday 17 November 2024. If you are applying, we recommend you pencil that date in your diary now, as we will not have scope to offer alternative audition dates.

We aim to let auditionees know the outcome within a few days.

How can I apply?

Applications should be submitted via the online form linked at the bottom of this page. Before applying, please take time to read the Prize's guidelines and criteria - linked below - and continue to consult them throughout the process. If you have any further queries about any part of the process not addressed in the guidelines below or wish to speak to a member of the RPS team, please get in touch with us. We also warmly welcome feedback about our application process and are keen to hear from anyone who may have identified potential barriers to applying. You can contact us on admin@philharmonicsociety.uk or 020 7287 0019.