EMERGING composers and performers are set to benefit after the University of York’s Music Press (UYMP) secured a grant for a new support project.

The Arts Council England funding will contribute towards a mentoring and publishing project, currently offered to 13 composers, including three current York students and five recent postgraduates.

It aims to provide a platform to increase the international exposure and distribution of their work through recording and publication, and help to safeguard their copyright and income.

Partnering with two leading young ensembles that champion contemporary classical music – Juice Vocal Ensemble and instrumental ensemble Dark Inventions – UYMP will publish two volumes of new music compositions written for them by the composers.

The selectedcomposers will also receive mentoring from professional composers published by UYMP until July, including guidance with professional score presentation, copyright registration and composer rights.

UYMP will also launch a new website in February, featuring interactive recordings and music scores.

James Whittle, UYMP assistant and leader of the funding bid, said: “The economy of contemporary classical music is a fragile one, so contributing to the professional development of composers and helping them to build successful careers are key activities for UYMP. We are very excited about the future possibilities for the project.”

In 2015, the UYMP will celebrate 20 years as a specialist publisher of new music.It also publishes works by eight young composers selected in partnership with Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.