Composers Project

formally the 'Future Blend Project'

Staff Access Only

Our Story

The 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 a call for 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, Lucy Nolan, Becki Luff, Rita Schindler, Kinga Was, Natasha Gale, Amy Turk, Alexander Rider, 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.

Applications are now open for 2025

APPLICATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED
RESULTS: 21st - 27th April - composers are emailed with the result
Successful composers are announced: May/ June

poppyharp_composers_project_outline_25.pdf
File Size:	76 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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!

Our Aims

To encourage composers to write more music for the harp.
To encourage music written for both lever and pedal harp
To allow each composers individual style to shine whilst producing music that is accessible to the instrument.
To nurture new and continued friendships and positive working relationships between harpists and composers around the world.
Promote all styles, genres and music from around the world.
To have fun and enjoy making music together!

Past Projects

Apply for the PoppyHarp Composers Project 2025

Cost: FREE
This experience is completely free and I cannot thank the harpists involved enough for donating their time to this amazing project!

Parameters:

You must be over 18 to apply
2025 project - Harp Solo ONLY
Your work does not have to be finished but give a good impression of what you are trying to achieve
You do not have to have written for or worked with a harpist before.
Composers retain the rights to their work throughout the project
Your sheet music must not be on sale. If your sheet music has been published unfortunately we cannot accept your application (Published = your sheet music is available to the general public to be purchase online or in physical form. If your music is published as an audio file only, we can still accept your application. However, you must have full rights to take part in the music, hold sole copyright of your music and there must be no conflict of interests in any other projects, performances or grants you are a part of.)

5 Harp Solo works will be chosen by our panel of harpists.

Successful Composers:

Up to 5 sessions working with a harpist on your composition (May-October)
Receive passionate and tailored advice on composing for the harp. Composers will learn about the instrument and how to ensure their piece reflects their unique style whilst complimenting the instrument.
A video of the finished composition will be published on PoppyHarp Youtube (November).
If the composer chooses, the sheet music can be sold on the PoppyHarp website or our partners website - The Harp Studio.

APPLICATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED
RESULTS: 21st - 27th April - composers are emailed with the result
Successful composers are announced: May/ June

poppyharp_composers_project_outline_25.pdf
File Size:	76 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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]

Donate to the Composers Project

£50.00

Donate to the Composers Project

£100.00

Sponsor a Harpist for a year!

£500.00

Donate to the Composers Project

£25.00

Sponsor 50% of a commission

£250.00

Sponsor 2024 harpists

£3,000.00