Blue Touch Paper

The Future of the Blue Touch Paper Scheme - Composers' Discussion

We are in a phase of consulting about the future of our Blue Touch Paper Scheme, and were honoured to bring a group of composers together to discuss how they make their best work. Composers John Adams, Mira Calix, Larry Goves and Christian Mason were joined by Enno Senft (principal bass of the London Sinfonietta), Sally Groves (director of Schott Music) and Jane Williams (Head of Artistic Planning for the London Sinfonietta) in a conversation chaired by Andrew Burke (Chief Executive of the London Sinfonietta).

We would welcome your feedback to the conversation and your own ideas about what we can do to support the work of composers in the future. Please email Andrew Burke at andrew.burke@londonsinfonietta.org.uk

Section 1: Is there a difference between music written as a result of a commission compared to the music composers want to write?

Section 2: Do composers find themselves writing music they think they ought to write in order to get it played?

Section 3: How is it best for composers to get useful feedback about their developing compositions?

Section 4: What are the possibilities for composers collaborating with people outside of music, and what can be learnt from composers who work with their own ensemble?

Left-click to play the files, or right-click and 'save target as' to download the mp3s.

The Blue Touch Paper Scheme

Ever since the ensemble’s formation in 1968, the London Sinfonietta has championed the work of new, talented composers, and our innovative Blue Touch Paper scheme gives them invaluable practical support. The participants on the scheme work closely with London Sinfonietta’s instrumentalists and sound engineers, and receive professional guidance from a senior composer mentor.

Since the scheme began in 2002, the following composers have taken part:

Luke Bedford
Mary Bellamy
Tansy Davies
Ben Foskett
Dai Fujikura
Larry Goves
Bryn Harrison
Haris Kittos
Anna Meredith
Naomi Pinnock
James Saunders
Ian Vine

With financial assistance from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Performing Right Society Foundation and Michael Vyner Trust.

The scheme is not currently open for applications but please keep an eye on the website for developments.