The National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) has launched its 2025 Young Composers Award.

The annual award, presented in association with BBC Radio 3, was announced on Sunday, November 17 on BBC Radio 3's Early Music Show and BBC Sounds.

This year, young composers will collaborate with baroque instrumental group The Brook Street Band.

The competition invites composers to create a short piece for two violins, a cello, and a harpsichord.

The instrument grouping was one of the most popular within chamber music of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, and recalls the music of the likes of Purcell, Corelli, and Handel.

The award day is scheduled to take place in York on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to participate in a daytime workshop.

In the evening, the compositions will be performed by the Brook Street Band at the NCEM in York.

The winning works will be premiered by The Brook Street Band in October 2025 as part of the love:Handel festival.

Delma Tomlin, NCEM director, said: "We’re very excited to welcome The Brook Street Band as our partner for the Young Composers Award 2025.

"This ensemble is not only one of the leading exponents of Handel’s music, but also has set up its very own festival, love:Handel, where the winning 2025 compositions will be performed."

Cellist and director of The Brook Street Band, Tatty Theo, said: "We’re thrilled to have the privilege of working with young composers, giving life to brand new music that will showcase the varied colours and rich character of our old baroque instruments."

Registration closes at 12 noon on February 7, 2025, with the deadline for submission of scores on March 7.

Terms and conditions, and details of how to take part in the NCEM Young Composers Award 2025, are available at https://www.youngcomposersaward.co.uk or via email at info.composers@ncem.co.uk