A MUSIC lecturer at Huddersfield University is to work with one of Europe’s leading new music ensembles as apprentice composer in residence.

Richard Glover, 27, will have unprecedented access to the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, a chamber orchestra founded 20 years ago by members of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

During his residency, Richard will write a new work for 11 players from the ensemble which will receive its world premiere in September.

These are exciting times for Richard who is from Lichfield but lectures at Huddersfield. He is already a busy composer whose music has been performed Šthroughout the UK and EuropeŠbyŠRolf Hind and David Alberman, Quator Bozzini, Psappha, the Smith Quartet, Ensemble MAE, Tom Arthurs Trio, Gemini, Ruth Wall and Jane Chapman.

The year-long scheme is a partnership betweenŠBCMGŠandŠthe Society for the Promotion of New Music (SPNM). The residency is designed as a snapshot of a year in the life of BCMG and Richard is the first person to be appointed as its Apprentice Composer in Residence under a three-year scheme supported byŠThe Leverhulme Trust.

“The residency provides me with a real insight into the working life of a professional ensemble, and the opportunity to work closely with top-class performers on a new piece is a huge benefit for any composer,” he said.

“The chance to get involved in many other aspects of the group’s work, from education to promotion, is also a very valuable and exciting experience.”

As he works on his composition for the ensemble, Richard will be mentored by two established composers, Howard Skempton and Peter Wiegold.ŠRichard has already discussed performance styles with BCMG’s players, and in April he will try out some initial ideas during a workshop.

ŠDuring his residency, Richard will also shadow leading composer Luke Bedford as he writes a new work for BCMG, and will be closely involved with the ensemble’s wide ranging Learning Programme for 8-18 year olds.

ŠStephen Newbould, artistic director of BCMG, added: “Richard Glover’s appointment underlines BCMG’s commitment to nurturing emerging compositional talent. I am delighted that our partnership with SPNM, supported by the Leverhulme Trust, allows us to involve Richard in the full range of BCMG's activities over the coming year, and we look forward to bringing a new piece of his music into the world as part of what I know will be a rewarding relationship.”

Ed McKeon, SPNM producer and joint executive director, said: “SPNM has been discovering and supporting the most exciting British composers for over 60 years.ŠŠWe are delighted to present this opportunity with BCMG, a fantastic group that understands new music from the inside, and grateful for the Leverhulme Trust’s generous support.”Š