Flinders Quartet Composer Program

Emerging composer have the chance to apply for Flinders Quartet‘s ‘Emerge’ program. Emerging composers will have the opportunity to work with Flinders Quartet in a year-long program of score study and deep engagement, learning about the craft of string quartet writing. During the course of this program, participating composers will write a 5-6 minute work for string quartet to be performed by FQ at the conclusion of the program.

Since 2016, Flinders Quartet (FQ) has worked with composers as part of its annual composition program, workshopping, recording, and performing new works by emerging composers. Previous participants spoke of a desire to have the time to delve into the masterworks of the string quartet canon with members of FQ to better understand the complexities of writing for string quartet. 

After running a pilot program in 2022 with several invited composers, FQ developed ‘Emerge,’ a counterpart to its ‘Ascend’ composer program. 

The string quartet is an instrument in its own right and learning how to write effectively for the ensemble while expressing a unique voice can remain elusive. FQ is looking for outstanding emerging composers with strong musical personality and craft, ready to take on the challenge of writing a high level work for string quartet.

Over a 12-month period, up to six composers will receive:

• Six online sessions with members of FQ dissecting scores by master string quartet composers 
• In-person time with FQ workshopping and rehearsing their composition (travel stipend provided for composers who live outside of the Melbourne area)
• Performance of their 5-6 minute string quartet at the conclusion of the program
• Filmed performance of their work
• Inclusion on FQ Digital and industry advocacy

Total value: approx. $5,000 per composer.

While the program is open to Australian composers of all ages and genders, female-identifying or NB composers are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications for the Emerge composer program open 1 October 2022 and close 31 October 2022.

Further information about FQ’s composer programs – both ‘Emerge’ and ‘Ascend’ – can be found at flindersquartet.com/composer.