LDJ60 Prize

Compose_Perform_Film

LDJ60_Compose_Perform_Film PRIZE is a new competition set up by composer Liz Dilnot Johnson to encourage performances and collaborations between performing and composing students at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC).

The aim is 1) to celebrate Liz’s music in her 60th year and 2) to encourage performances of new student compositions for small chamber groups and vocalists (1-3 performers).

"This is a fantastic new initiative celebrating Liz's music whilst also encouraging RBC student composer/performer collaboration. The strong focus on a video medium is so important today as artists looks to develop a strong online presence from the earliest stages of their development."

Prof. Joe Cutler (Head of Composition, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire)

On 27th January 2025 at The Lab, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Liz awarded the inaugural LDJ60 prizes to the Suzuki Ramirez Duo. Composer and performer Riko Suzuki made films of Liz’s solo work Araneis: Studies of British Spiders i) Silver Swimmer for tenor recorder and her own composition Fantasy for violin and recorder. Both Riko and violinist Kalu Ramirez are currently undergraduate students at RBC.

LDJ60 Performance Prize - a cash prize of £500 each to the winning performer(s).

LDJ60 Composition Prize up to two awards of £500 each.

Total prize money £2500

The LDJ60 Performance Prize will be awarded for the most accomplished and effective performers overall (of both the new work and Liz Dilnot Johnson’s music).

The LDJ60 Composition Prize will be awarded for the most accomplished and effective new student work.

What is involved:

Each group of 1-3 RBC student performers select a chamber work by Liz Dilnot Johnson from a list of repertoire available at the BCU Music Library including music for  voice(s), strings, piano, woodwind and brass, and open improvisatory works.

The group’s composer will compose a new work for the 1-3 performers. The performer(s) will make a film of each work. The total duration of all the films should be 10-15 minutes altogether. Each piece is filmed separately and uploaded onto Youtube as a separate track (public or private links).

LDJ60_Compose_Perform_Film 2026 deadline: 23/1/26

Email your entry to liz@lizdilnotjohnson.co.uk