Alumnae Elif Karlıdağ (Opera Making & Writing 2023) and Asha Parkinson (Saxophone 2020), alongside MMus graduate and current PhD candidate Joseph Graydon, were named among the LPO’s five Young Composers. They will each be mentored by the LPO’s Composer-in-Residence, Sir George Benjamin, throughout the season.
During the programme, they will create a new work for chamber orchestra. These compositions will be showcased at the LPO’s Debut Sounds event at the Southbank Centre in summer 2027, performed by musicians from the orchestra and the LPO’s Future Firsts scheme.
The year will also include composer seminars, workshop rehearsals, and opportunities to attend concerts, observe rehearsals, meet guest composers, and engage with industry experts and the LPO’s education work.
Elif Karlıdağ has previously been selected for the London Symphony Orchestra’s Panufnik Composers Scheme and is currently part of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Composers programme, with recent commissions from organisations including English National Opera and the Philharmonia Orchestra.
Asha Parkinson combines her work as a composer and saxophonist across jazz, classical, and world music. Her debut album, Possession, has received critical acclaim.
Joseph Graydon is completing his doctoral research at Guildhall School. His music has been performed and recorded by ensembles such as ICTUS Ensemble Brussels and EXAUDI Vocal Ensemble.
