The VCC Composer Prize would like to establish an avenue for composers from diverse backgrounds, looking for the opportunity to develop the viola canon. Applicants will be invited to submit examples of their work. On the basis of these submissions, up to six composers will be selected and asked to create a new 8-10 minute piece for solo viola, viola and piano or viola duet/quartet. Each selected composer will receive an award of £1,500. If we raise enough funds, selected works will be recorded on NMC Recordings, as well as being featured at Lawrence Power's upcoming V10LA day at Wigmore Hall in the 25/26 Season.

It will only be possible to mount the VCC Composer Prize if we can raise further funds. Our current estimate is that it would cost around £25,000 to cover the prize money, the recording costs and the costs of other artists. We need to conserve the existing funds of the VCC for the underwriting of further commissions so we are hoping we can count on existing as well as new supporters to help us reach the target figure. Will you help us? Donations can be made via our Crowdfunder page.

We hope you will agree that this is an exciting venture and a fitting tribute to Michael. As Rostropovich did for the ‘cello, we would like this competition to bear new fruit for the viola and its many supporters.