Open Call for Composers: Write a New Mini-Opera for Young Voices

Are you a composer from Northern Ireland — or based here — with a passion for storytelling through music?
We’re inviting applications for an exciting opportunity to create a five-minute opera for children’s choir, soprano, and chamber ensemble.

This project is part of our commitment to nurturing emerging talent and is made possible through support from the PRS Foundation’s Talent Development Partner programme.

We are commissioning three composers to each write a short opera that will ignite young imaginations and showcase the power of music to tell bold new stories. These mini-operas will be professionally performed in Belfast as part of the Young at Art Festival 2026.

What’s the brief?

Each commissioned work must be based on one of Aesop’s Fables. We’re looking for creative, engaging, and musically inventive retellings that bring these classic tales to life in a fresh way for young audiences.

Composers are encouraged to explore a variety of vocal textures — and spoken word may be included as part of the composition.

The Opera:

The opera should be written for the following forces:
  • Children’s choir (2-part writing that is sensitive to the changing voices of boys)
  • Soprano soloist
  • Chamber ensemble consisting of:
– Flute
– Clarinet
– Violin
– Cello
– Piano

We’re looking for:

  • Composers aged 18+ who are either from Northern Ireland or currently based in Northern Ireland
  • Artists excited to write for children’s voices alongside professional musicians
  • A clear idea for a five-minute opera based on a chosen fable (libretto may be self-written or developed in collaboration with UTO Artistic Director Dafydd Hall Williams)

Each commission includes:

  • A £2,000 composer fee, based on Musicians’ Union commissioning rates (£400 per minute)
  • Support from our team including musical mentorship, libretto development, and workshops with young singers
  • Assistance support from UTO Composer in Residence Anna Ramzy
  • A professional performance with children’s choir, soprano, and chamber ensemble

Key Dates:

  • Application deadline: Monday 17th June 2025
  • Decisions communicated by: Friday 20th June 2025
  • Workshop with participants: September 2025 (exact date TBC)
  • Youth Opera rehearsals begin: September 2025
  • Final version due: October 2025
  • World premiere performance: Sunday 8th March 2026 in Belfast, as part of the Young at Art Festival

How to Apply:

Please send the following by Monday 16th June 2025 to dafydd@ulstertouringopera.com
1. A short expression of interest (max 500 words or 3 minutes audio/video), including:
  • Your background and why you’re interested
  • A brief proposal for your opera, clearly stating which Aesop’s Fable you plan to adapt
2. Two examples of your previous compositions (MP3s or links, with scores if available)
3. Your CV or short bio

Have questions?

Whether this is your first time writing for voice or you’re an experienced composer, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us at info@ulstertouringopera.com