BBC Radio 3 New Generation Baroque Ensemble Scheme aims to inspire and support British talent during the pandemic a partnership with the National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) and the Royal College of Music (RCM)

The main scheme intends to support upcoming UK-based Baroque instrumental ensembles in the early years of their professional careers. Ensemble playing - widely practised by young British early music instrumentalists during their formative years - loses momentum after post-graduate studies, and this scheme aims to counter that trend with increased nurturing and support. Whilst the main scheme has been postponed due to the ongoing health crisis, the team behind it wanted to still support young players in this turbulent time by offering unrivalled access to experts in the field as part of a special development day.

A New Generation Baroque Ensemble developmental workshop will be held at the Royal College of Music on Sunday 15 November. The event, organized in strict compliance with the current guidelines on social-distancing, will offer ensembles an opportunity to present selected repertoire to representatives from BBC Radio 3, NCEM, and RCM, receiving feedback on the session and generally on career development. It’s all part of the wider scheme, which offers mentoring and on-air sessions on BBC Radio 3 for two years.

Expressions of interest in taking part should be submitted by Friday 9 October. Full details are on the NCEM website.

Delma Tomlin MBE, Director, NCEM, says: “The NCEM has been thoroughly supportive of the professional development of early music ensembles since its inception - working nationally, and internationally through the Creative Europe EEEmerging programme and the biennial Young Artists Competition. This partnership with BBC Radio 3 and the RCM is the culmination of many years work to promote UK based instrumental ensembles. It is a wonderful opportunity and a chance to really make a difference.”

Ashley Solomon, Head of Historical Performance at RCM, says: “I am delighted that the RCM will be involved in this new initiative in collaboration with our colleagues at the BBC and NCEM. Nurturing and inspiring the new generation of historical performers is part of our ethos at RCM and I look forward to working with, and mentoring the successful ensemble. It is a wonderful and unique opportunity for these New Generation Baroque Ensembles as they embark on their professional careers.”

Alan Davey, Controller BBC Radio 3 and classical music, says: “Throughout the pandemic, one of our main concerns as broadcasters has been to support performers and composers in these difficult times, through leading on the return to live music, new commissions and replays of archive performances. The New Generation Baroque Ensemble Scheme’s November workshop is further testament to our support for upcoming and established artists on the scene at a time of much uncertainty in the world.”

Radio 3 New Generation Baroque Ensemble scheme joins the stable of talent schemes that the BBC already runs, including BBC Introducing Classical/Jazz/World, New Generation Artists and New Generation Thinkers. New Generation Baroque Ensemble will offer a two-year period of broadcasting on BBC Radio 3, concerts, mentoring, coaching and provision of rehearsal facilities for selected groups.

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