Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) has selected 18-year-old Freya Ireland as its first apprentice composer. The position is part of a partnership with Wigmore Hall designed to develop young musical talent.
Ireland will attend regular rehearsals and concerts, meet with musicians and composers, assist in secondary school workshops and work with Wigmore Hall composer in residence Helen Grime Day. Earlier this year she won the inaugural RPS Duet Prize for Young Composers.
Rosemary Johnson, executive director of RPS, said: ‘The RPS Young Musicians Programme provides unparalleled opportunities for committed, talented young musicians to be mentored by and forge links with the very best in the business. This is about widening horizons, understanding music in a profound and rewarding way, and learning, each generation from the other.’
‘Freya…has shown both considerable talent and impressive commitment…we are pleased to now be able to extend our support through this new partnership with Wigmore Hall Learning programme [and] delighted to be able to play its part in helping to provide her with invigorating new musical experiences.’
As well as her RPS prize Ireland was principal composer for the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) in 2016 with her compositions performed by NYO at Birmingham Symphony Hall, Tate Britain and Royal Festival Hall. Her work has also been broadcast on BBC Radio 3.