We are launching the RPS Thea Musgrave Fund in April 2025 with the introduction of two new initiatives we have devised with Thea and Peter for which music-makers can apply. 

RPS THEA MUSGRAVE COMPOSITION GRANTS
Throughout Thea’s career, she has treasured having dedicated time to shape ideas with musicians. We are newly set to offer several grants to support established 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. This year, we expect to offer a total of £20,000 in grants for this, likely split between 2 or 3 composers. Click here to find out more. 

RPS THEA MUSGRAVE PERFORMANCE GRANTS
Thea’s remarkable catalogue of compositions spans decades and is a veritable treasure trove for performers and programmers. Following the huge success of her Mary, Queen of Scots staged by the ENO in February 2025, 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. We are newly set to offer several grants to 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. This year, we expect to offer a total of £20,000 in grants for this, likely split between 2 or 3 recipients. Click here to find out more.

The closing date for applications for these grants is 11am on Tuesday 1 July 2025. We look forward to piloting both initiatives this year with the hope of evolving and expanding them in future years. 

We are also grateful to Thea and Peter for putting some of the fund towards the new commission that Scottish composer Lisa Robertson is writing as part of the 2025 RPS Composers programme. 

Thea Musgrave says: 'Given the vital support RPS has given me – like so many others early in their careers – I am truly gratified to be able to collaborate with its dedicated team to support the important work the RPS has been doing for over 200 years. I hope to help expand its focus in ways that have motivated and developed my own skills as a composer throughout my career. Not only have I experimented with and developed new aspects of notation for the individual freedoms and dramatic interactions of players; my works have benefitted greatly from the personal knowledge and expertise that extraordinary soloists have for their instruments. We are creating this new RPS fund to share as well as foster these aspects of composition that have been so important for me.'

RPS Chief Executive James Murphy says: 'Still composing at 96, Thea Musgrave is a national treasure. The RPS has enjoyed a creative association with Thea dating back decades. It’s our great honour to collaborate with her and Peter on establishing this major new fund, sure to ignite exciting creative opportunities nationwide. As a charity always seeking new ways to support musicians, we are dearly grateful to Thea and Peter for this gesture. We have cherished all the imagination and energy they have brought to our planning together, and look forward to drawing on their expertise and passion to help bring new musical ventures to life.'

Born in 1928, and still composing music almost a century later, Thea Musgrave is a musical icon. Over a remarkable international career, she has created a body of work bursting with energy, ready to leap off the page and seize our imagination. Our association with Thea dates back to 1969 when the RPS commissioned her groundbreaking Clarinet Concerto. More recently in 2022 we presented Thea with RPS Honorary Membership in recognition of her musical achievements. 

Peter Mark is a renowned conductor, viola player and teacher. Among his many achievements, he conducted the US premiere of Thea’s opera Mary, Queen of Scots and the world premiere of her opera A Christmas Carol, both of which he has recorded. In 1973, he performed the Viola Concerto which Thea composed for him at the BBC Proms with Thea conducting the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. 

Click here to read more about Thea and Peter.