Royal Albert Hall launches music talent search event ‘Future Makers’

21 February 2022 - Press release

 

The Royal Albert Hall has announced a search for future music talent, calling for entrants aged 14-18 from across London to enter for a chance to perform on the Hall’s legendary main stage.

A shortlist of acts will be invited to a live audition in the Hall’s Elgar Room in July, with a group of finalists performing in the auditorium in November 2022 to a stellar industry panel, invited guests and an audience of young people. The event will be compered by saxophonist and youngest-ever BBC Radio 3 presenter, Jess Gillam.

All performers will receive feedback and advice from the panel following the concert. The winning act will receive a unique package of support and opportunities from the Hall and its partners, to continue their development as an artist. This might include studio time, mentoring and further performance opportunities.

Lucy Noble, Artistic Director of the Royal Albert Hall, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to launch this opportunity for aspiring young musicians, and would like to encourage as many people as possible to apply. The Hall’s story has been written by young history-makers from The Beatles to the Spice Girls to Adele, and our ambition as a charity is to build pathways for the talents of the future to take on that legacy. Future Makers will be a key stepping stone in that artist pipeline.”

Future Makers is part of the Hall’s Engagement programmes, which range from work with babies and toddlers to school projects, workshops with A-list artists, music therapy, relaxed concerts for people with sensory difficulties and other disabilities, and concerts in the community. Future Makers is a collaboration with the Tri-Borough Music Hub and London Music Hubs, which represent all local authorities in London. 

Entries to take part in Future Makers will be open from 21 February – 9 May 2022 and must be submitted via a London Music Hub. All entrants must be in years 10-13 of the academic year 2021/2022.

Submissions can be of any genre or a mixture of genres, but music performed must be original, written by or for the performers. Electronic music submissions are welcomed, but these must include at least one live performance element.

Submissions must be between four and six minutes in length and the same piece (or pieces) must be performed in the concert if selected for the main show. Music can be based around spoken word or performance poetry, but must include a musical element.

At least 50 per cent of any act’s members must be from state maintained schools