AboutThe Future Blend Project launched in 2015.
It grew into an annual solo harp composition competition that brought together composers and harpists to create brand new music for the Harp. Each year 8-10 finalists were chosen from anonymous scores, they then had 5 months to work with their harpist to create the best piece possible for the instrument. The harpists are some of the most exciting and experienced young professionals in the world. So far composers have had the chance to work with Eleanor Turner, Camilla Pay, Shelley Fairplay, Olivia Jaguers, Sophie Rocks, Erica Sinclair, Rosanna Moore, Fran Barsby and many many more! The Hidden Gem Concert was held in the first few weeks of January and was the showcase and World Premier of the 10 new works. Please note that WWW.FUTUREBLENDPROJECT.COM is nothing to do with PoppyHarp, Fran Barsby OR the original Future Blend Project.
Please be cautious of scams online! |
Applications are now closed for 2024.(Applications will open in February 2025 for next years project.
The deadline for submissions will be 31st March 2025 - midnight. For more information about our 2025 project please click here. ) |
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Our aim is to increase repertoire for the harp and help composers better understand the instrument.
This experience is completely free and I cannot thank the harpists involved enough for donating their time to this amazing project! Each composer will work with a renowned harpist, for up to 5 sessions, dependent on the piece. You will learn about the instrument and how to create a piece that reflect each composers unique style and also compliments the instrument. At the end of your journey, your piece will be video recorded by the harpist. If you choose, the music will be sold on the PoppyHarp website (your website or with one of our partners) and the harpist and composer will be interviewed about their experience to help and inspire other composers. Each selected composer will work with a harpist from May - October and receive passionate and tailored advice on composing for the harp from our incredible team of professional harpists. A video of their finished work will be published on PoppyHarp Youtube and the music, if the composer chooses, will be available to purchase on the PoppyHarp or our partners websites. |
Yunfei Lee - Composer |
Yunfei Li is a composer, and violinist based in Kansas City. Yunfei writes music characterized by exploring new sounds on instruments and music software. She takes inspiration from the sounds of nature and has converted nature sounds into musical language as part of her original compositions. With a background that includes both Eastern and Western classical music, she is also inspired by a variety of modern music styles including pop music, electroacoustic music, and film music. As a composer, she has collaborated with film directors, writers, choreographers, and multimedia artists.
Her music has been performed by many festivals, including CampGround 24, LunArt Composer Hub, ClarinetFest, Seal Bay Music Festival, Women Composers Festival of Hartford, LunArt Composer Hub, Electronic Midwest Festival, Festival of Contemporary Art Music at Washington State University, Atlantic Music Festival, Sewanee WinterFest, Northwestern University New-Music Conference and Festival, The Walden School, Arts Letters & Numbers, Turn Up Festival, La Frontera International Piano Conference, SHE Festival, North Star Music Festival, New Music on the Bayou, SCI Region V Conference, CMS Southwest Conference, CMS Great Lakes Conference, CAMPGround 24, Asian Classical Music Initiative. Yunfei’s music has been played by the Red Clay Saxophone Quartet, Project Fusion Saxophone Quartet, Sonax Saxophone Quartet, SPLICE Ensemble, Domino Ensemble, Cassatt String Quartet, Del Sol Quartet, Bergamont Quartet, Quintet Sirocco, Duo Entre-nous, Transient Canvas, Plaza Winds, Hub New Music, Winnfield Quartet, New Hong Kong Philharmonia, Hartwick Wind Ensemble, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, University of Michigan Wind Ensemble, Millikin University Wind Ensemble, West Michigan University Wind Ensemble, Manhattan School of Music Wind Ensemble, University of the Pacific Wind Ensemble, UMass Amherst Wind Ensemble, Texas Tech University Wind Ensemble, The Wind Band Conducting Workshop at the University of Minnesota, UNCG Wind Ensemble, UMKC Wind Symphony, Boston Conservatory Wind Ensemble. Yunfei is a fellow of Ucross Foundation. She has won a composition prize from MUSICACOUSTICA-Beijing International Electronic Music Composition Competition. She has also received an award from the Denver International Electronic Music Composition Competition. Her music has been featured by News & Record in North Carolina, KCUR 89.3, Classical WSMR and Johnson County Library(KS). |
working with Fran Barsby"I run PoppyHarp and the PoppyHarp Composers Project. But I’m also a busy performer! I can’t wait to get to know another set of composers next year. I’ve missed running this project so much! I enjoy an eclectic career as harp teacher, busy performer and I am a committee member for the UKHA.
I can’t wait to get stuck into another composers project! Formally 'The Future Blend Project' was a huge part of my life and I absolutely love working with composers to expand repertoire for the harp. Bring on 2024 and the 5th PoppyHarp Composers Project!" |
Nantenaina Andriamorasata - ComposerNantenaina Andriamorasata is a music composer, songwriter, and performer based in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
In November and December 2023, his SATB choral work was presented at the “World New Music Days 2023” festival in Cape Town, South Africa. He has also received awards from the Merck Foundation. Composer already selected for call from Organization or Musicians (solo or ensemble) like: Vox Novus (feat. TC4 Saxophone Quartet, Matt Hare, Monica Chew, David Bohn), Castle of Our Skins (feat. Francesca Mcneeley), Slippery Rock University, International Society for Contemporary Music (feat. The Ikamva Music Ensemble), Beth Ratay, Merck Foundation. As the founder of the Vakamiarina Group, he has produced a few albums under the folk music style (available for listening on digital platforms); The group has already received award from World Music Trophy 2020. |
working with Sophie RocksSophie is a performer, programmer and curator with a passion for bringing brand new music to the forefront in both public and community settings. Sophie’s personal highlights have included being featured as a soloist on BBC Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’, being one of the United Kingdom Harp Association’s Emerging Artists 2020, reaching the quarterfinals of the Dutch International ‘World Harp Competition’ 2022, and showcasing her critically acclaimed show, ‘Notes from Shetland to Shanghai,’ at the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity in Canada and the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase.
This year Sophie has been touring Scotland with her clarsach trio, The Willow Trio. With funding from Creative Scotland, they created ‘The Swan of Salen’, a Scottish multimedia adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Additionally, as the founder of the hugely successful concert series, Sophie is currently programming the third season of ‘Music at the Green’ a genre defying showcase based in Glasgow’s West End. Sophie is currently working on her new programme, 21st Century Harp and is delighted to be back working with composers on new music! |
Marcílio Onofre - ComposerMarcílio Onofre (1982) is a professor at the Department of Music at the Federal University of Paraíba – UFPB and member of the Musical Composition Laboratory – COMPOMUS/UFPB. He has a Doctorate and Master's degree in Musical Composition, both under the guidance of composer Dr. Eli-Eri Moura, and a Bachelor's degree in Music, with a specialization in piano. He also holds an Artistic Diploma in composition from Akademia Muzyczna im. Krzysztofa Pendereckiego w Krakowie (Kraków – Poland), under the guidance of composer Krzysztof Penderecki, with a scholarship granted by the Brazilian Mozarteum. His musical production, awarded in several composition competitions in Brazil and abroad, includes pieces for various instrumental chamber, vocal and orchestral. He frequently collaborates as a conductor at the head of the UFPB Symphony Orchestra, with emphasis on the premiere of works written by members of COMPOMUS/UFPB and by students of the composition.
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Matthew Elderton-Lewis - ComposerHailing from Hockley, Essex, Matthew Elderton-Lewis (b. 2001) is a contemporary classical composer whose infectiously passionate personality and musical talent is continuing to emerge onto the contemporary classical and multimedia stage. With his style being described as both idiosyncratic and memorably melodic, Matthew started to gain recognition for his work after being awarded the ‘MMus Prize for Outstanding Achievement’ for his postgraduate degree.
As a concert composer, he has been composer-in-residence for Royal Holloway Picture Gallery, commissioned by Carla Rees for PLAY! Festival 2023 and Belle Quartet and has received a number of performances and workshops by the likes of Ligeti Quartet, Phacelia Ensemble, Riot Ensemble, Chroma Ensemble, LCM Camerata, LCM Big Band and Royal Holloway Chapel Choir. As a media composer, Matthew has enjoyed a busy work schedule working on several adverts, scoring competitions, trailers and short films. Most recently he has completed contributing music to Paul G Raymond’s The Suicide (2025). Alongside being a composer, he is also a successful conductor, leading ensembles such as LCM Camerata, members of Royal Holloway Symphony Orchestra and Triple H Community Choir in both performative and collaborative projects through traditional, contemporary and archived repertoire. @eldertonlewismusic (Instagram/Facebook) @m_eldertonlewis (‘X’ - formerly Twitter) www.eldertonlewismusic.com |
working with Bethan Conway“I’m Bethan, a harpist and pianist based in North Wales. I teach and perform in North Wales and across the North West. I enjoy lots of chamber music and orchestral playing and am principal harp for NEW Sinfonia. It’s my first time taking part in the PoppyHarp Composer’s Project and I can’t wait to get involved! My favourite part of being a musician is getting to work alongside other wonderful musicians and to meet new people. So I’m really looking forward to working with composers on exciting new pieces and to promote new music for the harp!”
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Photo credit: Matthew Johnson
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David Lancaster - ComposerMy musical life began as a trumpet player, so whilst writing for wind instruments and singers seems to come naturally, I have always been intrigued by the strings; I’m making a conscious effort in the year ahead to address this challenge!
I’m an experienced composer – my music has been performed, broadcast and recorded internationally – and have recently cut down my work (as music lecturer at York St John University) to two days each week to allow more time for composing. The last few years have been busy: 2022 saw the first performance of ‘At the Edge of World’ for vocal ensemble; ‘Becoming Winter’ was performed by trombonist Ian Bousfield, and ‘Feathers’ was recorded for CD by the Elysian Singers. In 2023 ‘Revelation’ for seven trumpets and timpani was premiered in Derbyshire, and ‘Canzone Sospesa’ for cello and piano received a first performance in Milan. Also last year, an album of choral music, ‘Apocalypse’ was released on the Resonus Classics label. I live in York – and much of my music is inspired by the vestiges of the medieval world in the city. In addition to my teaching I am MD of York Railway Institute Band, and my music is published by University of York Music Press (UYMP). You can read more about my music at www.davidcomposer.co |
working with Erica Sinclair“I'm Erica, and I'm a harpist and clarinettist based in Worcestershire. I'm usually running up the miles on my car driving all over the Midlands and beyond to teach and perform. I'm the principal harpist for The Mahler Players, and enjoy freelancing with other ensembles. I'm so pleased to be involved with the PoppyHarp Composers' Project again, having been involved since the first "Future Blend" concert. I love performing new works, and some of the previous pieces I've worked on are still being presented in concert programmes years later.”
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Vicente Solsona Dellá - ComposerI'm Vicente Solsona Dellá, a guitarist and composer based in La Costa del Sol in the south of Spain. I have a degree in Composition from the Superior Conservatory of Málaga.
I like playing jazz and classical music, both solo and with small ensembles, and I also really enjoy composing all types of music. I'm always exploring new expressive ways in my music, from more traditional "tonal" music to highly experimental electroacoustic, whether solo pieces or for ensembles of any size. I wrote all the music for the "Vestigio" ballet by the company Dan Zass from Madrid, which has been performed in many theatres in Spain. I've also released a couple of albums under my name and a new album in a jazz duo format (guitar and piano) will be released very soon. I find the PoppyHarp Composers Project very inspiring and admirable, and I feel honoured to be a small part of it this year. I'm fascinated by the possibilities of the harp and I can't wait to start working on my piece with a professional as passionate and talented as Fran. |
working with Fran Barsby"I run PoppyHarp and the PoppyHarp Composers Project. But I’m also a busy performer! I can’t wait to get to know another set of composers next year. I’ve missed running this project so much! I enjoy an eclectic career as Resident Harpist for Pilgrim Harps, harp teacher, busy performer and I am a committee member for the UKHA.
I can’t wait to get stuck into another composers project! Formally 'The Future Blend Project' was a huge part of my life and I absolutely love working with composers to expand repertoire for the harp. Bring on 2024 and the 5th PoppyHarp Composers Project!" |
Christine Morphett - ComposerChristine Morphett is a passionate Celtic harper from South Australia, and she has recently moved to live in Somerset, UK. She has been active in the Celtic music scene in Australia, as a committee member for Adelaide Scottish Fiddle Club and the Harp Society of SA, and was instrumental in both Australian Harp Festivals in Adelaide, in 2006 and 2012, and conducting a Breton harp workshop at the World Harp Congress in Sydney 2014. Forming the SA Celtic Harp Orchestra in 2018, Christine gathered a group of enthusiastic, like-minded harpists who share a love of Celtic music. They performed sell-out concerts at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and performed for the International harp day at the Adelaide Irish club.
Christine is also one half of Telenn Tri, a duo with Peter Franche, comprising of original and traditional folk tunes. Their CD ‘Macquarie Street’ was a finalist for Traditional Folk Music Album in the Australian Folk Music Awards organised by Folk Alliance Australia in 2022, with her composition ‘Collaboration Jig’ named as one of “The Music Hub Collection Top Tunes in Scotland in 2022”. The CD review by Brian Smith from Tradandnow.com comments “the couple of Morphett originals are outstanding.” |
working with Sophie RocksSophie is a performer, programmer and curator with a passion for bringing brand new music to the forefront in both public and community settings. Sophie’s personal highlights have included being featured as a soloist on BBC Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’, being one of the United Kingdom Harp Association’s Emerging Artists 2020, reaching the quarterfinals of the Dutch International ‘World Harp Competition’ 2022, and showcasing her critically acclaimed show, ‘Notes from Shetland to Shanghai,’ at the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity in Canada and the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase.
This year Sophie has been touring Scotland with her clarsach trio, The Willow Trio. With funding from Creative Scotland, they created ‘The Swan of Salen’, a Scottish multimedia adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Additionally, as the founder of the hugely successful concert series, Sophie is currently programming the third season of ‘Music at the Green’ a genre defying showcase based in Glasgow’s West End. Sophie is currently working on her new programme, 21st Century Harp and is delighted to be back working with composers on new music! |
Sonata da Camera for 2 harps by Edson Tadeu OrtolanEdson Tadeu Ortolan (Brazil, 1958) received his musical education at the Conservatório Carlos Gomes and Escola Pró-Música, informal classes at Universidade Estadual de Campinas/UNICAMP, and private lessons with Maria Helena Rosas Fernandes, José Antonio de Almeida Prado, Maria Zélia Marão, Ebe Soares Gomes, Lucilena Terribili, Maria Lúcia Paschoal and others. Edson has studied composition, formal analysis, theory, music history, Brazilian music, aesthetics, construction of sound objects, piano, percussion and more. He is a member of the Brazilian Society for Contemporary Music.
Edson teaches History of Music and he has published a book on this subject: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M%C3%9ASICA-ERUDITA-NO-BRASIL-HIST%C3%93RIA/dp/1712213105 His music has been performed by soloists and chamber ensembles in Brazil and from around the world including: Bulgaria, Italia, Chile, Germany, Nederland, USA. Edson is currently furthering his education and studying Philosophy. |
Becki performs as a soloist and chamber musician, specialising in contemporary classical music and improvisation. She is currently exploring the use of electronics with the harp to create a new portfolio of sounds and pieces.
Becki enjoys working alongside composers to develop new music for the harp and inspire new audiences. Standout experiences include: performing the work of Tansy Davies at The Wigmore Hall and premiering Amir Konjani’s Anima Projection. Passionate to see music impact lives with hope and joy, Becki currently performs with Epiphany Music and has previously worked with Streetwise Opera, and Music Action International. |
Lucy’s work ranges from solo recitals to appearing on ITV’s Victoria and performing with professional orchestras such as the Hallé and Royal Northern Sinfonia.
She is passionate about evolving new styles of harp playing that transcend genre and bring the instrument to new audiences. Her experimental ensemble, SHOAL, has created new music for Channel 4, Hull City of Culture and New Music North West Festival and her collaboration with Carnatic singer, Supriya Nagarajan, exploring South Indian rags and electronics has led to performances at The Royal Albert Hall, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and Jaipur Literature Festival. An enthusiastic teacher, she is currently harp tutor for the Junior RNCM and Transpennine Harps. |
Donate to the project:We rely on donations to give back to the generous harpists that give their time to this project.
If you would like to donate to this project please email Fran at [email protected] - THANK YOU! If you are a composer that would like to get involved please fill in the form below. If you are a harpist that would like to get involved please email Fran, [email protected] |
2019Competition Winner: Ruth Lee - Music of the Angels,
performed by Erica Sinclair Adjudicators - Amy Turk and Shelley Fairplay
Thank you to our anonymous sponsor for making this event possible! |
2nd Place - Night Piece by Nadim Jauffur, performed by Rosanna Moore
3rd Place - Elergy Contemplation by Alexandra Coursen, performed by Sophie Rocks Finalists A Winter Landscape by Stephane Cem Kilic, performed by Fran Barsby Sculpture Waltz by Ben Parkinson-Atherton, performed by Sam Rose Well again by Amy Thomson, performed by Rosanna Moore Fjords by Anastasia Vedyakova, performed by Erica Sinclair We are key by David Roche, performed by Sophie Rocks Edge of the earth by Ben Parkinson Atherton, performed by Fran Barsby |
2018Best Collaboration winner:
Prelude of a Harp by Billy Hoggmascall performed by Becki Macllory Adjudicators: Anne Denholm, Edmund Jolliffe & Shelley Fairplay |
Runner Up:
Motto: FESTINA LENTE by Paolo Geminiani, performed by Sophie Rocks Dreamers’ Circus by Ailie Robertson, performed by Rosanna Moore Love in Idleness by Alison Willis, performed by Fran Barsby The Sky Burst by Angela Slater, performed by Rosanna Moore Finalists Dwarf Columbine by Amos Wong, performed by Amy Turk Blue by Antonio Bonazzo, performed by Fran Barsby Elogium by Felix Ceunen, performed by Alexander Rider Metamorphosis and Resonances by Hugo Vasco Reis, performed by Becki Mcllroy From afar by Meng Wang, performed by Lucy Nolan Klipspringer by Harm Roche van Tiddens, performed by Erica Sinclair ...the end of snow is nirvana by Sam Wu, performed by Fran Barsby Koto by Paul Cowell, performed by Camilla Pay Diary of a Lost Girl by Argyro Koliogiorgi, performed by Alexander Rider Obake by Jean-Patrick Besingrand, performed by Erica Sinclair If Eros Laughs by Bernard Hughes, performed by Amy Turk A Winter Landscape by Stéphane Cem Kiliç performed by Fran Barsby |
2017Competition Winner:
Ivory by Anthony Green, performed by Olivia Jageurs Adjudicators: Amy Turk and Catherine White Thank you to our sponsors: Anonymous and Kimichi School for making this event possible! |
Finalists:
The Awakening by Claudio Passilongo, performed by Fran Barsby Tiento y Toccata by Mauricio Cristales Armas, performed by Fran Barsby NESHAMA by Alexandra Coursen, performed by Olivia Jageurs In a Minor Groove by Rob Siebert, performed by Natasha Gale Resonances by Rob Crehan, performed by Kinga Was Pop Suite by Carlos Dos Santos performed by Vera Khait It was snowing butterflies by Nathan James Dearden, performed by Sophie Rocks Hybrid States by Zoran Scekic, performed by Vera Khait Ivory by Anthony Green, performed by Olivia Jageurs Haiku for Calumet Street by Arthur Keegan-Bole, performed by Sophie Rocks Suite pour Harpe by Louis Sauter, performed by Rita Schindler The Child at Sunset by Ben Yee-Paulson, performed by Erica Sinclair Cyber Lullaby by Stanislav Fridman, performed by Erica Sinclair |
2016Thank you to the UKHA for sponsoring this years event.
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Finalists:
Charge of the Light Brigade by Ben Parkinson-Atherton, performed by Kinga The Craft of fastening... by Kirsty Devaney, performed by Vera Khait Star Cluster by Kirsty Devaney, performed by Eleanor Turner Unprepared by Sam James, performed by Eleanor Turner Your Pie-fect by Rob Jones, performed by Vera Khait Water Dance by Ben Weatherill, performed by Fran Barsby Fragility by Leon Haxby, performed by Rita Schindler I'd like to send this to England please by Rosie Clements, performed by Rita Schindler La Belle Noiseuse by Dominic Sewell, performed by Amy Turk Relentless Thought by Yfat Soul Zisso, performed by Erica Sinclair A new song by Segan Akinola, performed by Eleanor Turner Des by Ryan Probert, performed by Rita Schindler Study for Amplified harp by Yfat Soul Zisso, performed by Erica Sinclair The Gates of Westbrook House by Patrick Ellis, performed by Kinga Was |
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PoppyHarp is run by harpist Fran Barsby.
Location: West Sussex Please email: [email protected] for full address information Copyright 'PoppyHarp' 2024
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