‘Evolve’ and ‘Emerge’ composer development

The Presteigne Festival is internationally celebrated for its commitment to commissioning new music from a wide range of composers. This is made possible with the generous financial backing of organisations such as the PRS Foundation, Royal Philharmonic Society, Vaughan Williams Foundation and Tŷ Cerdd, as well as a growing number of individual donors. This invaluable support has allowed the Festival to enhance its role in nurturing composers at key stages in their professional development.

Presteigne Festival ‘Evolve’

‘Evolve’ is a four-year development programme for mid-career composers, offering tailored mentoring alongside Festival commissions and performances. Participants’ existing works are also showcased within the Festival’s music programme, providing sustained artistic support and high-profile exposure.

The Festival’s current ‘Evolve’ composer is James B Wilson (2024-27)

Ninfea Cruttwell-Reade was the first (2020-24)

Presteigne Festival ‘Emerge’

The Festival’s ‘Emerge’ programme is a two-year scheme designed for early-career, post-graduate composers. It offers regular mentoring, three Festival commissions and opportunities for existing works to be performed across the Festival’s programmes. In addition, the ‘Emerge’ recipient is invited to sit on the Presteigne Festival board as an apprentice member and is usually involved in the Festival’s community activity, gaining valuable insight into the way the Festival is managed.

Welsh composer Tayla-Leigh Payne, who recently completed post-graduate studies in composition at the Guildhall School, joined the scheme in 2024. She was preceded by Sarah Frances Jenkins (2022-24).