The Fitzhardinge Consort were delighted to host their inaugural Carol Composition Competition for young women composers in autumn/winter 2024.

Fitz are undertaking a commitment to promote and encourage young composers, and invited women under the age of 31 to compose a Christmas Carol which The Fitzhardinge Consort performed at St George’s Bristol on 9 December 2024.

Submissions were judged by former Master of the King’s Music Dame Judith Weir, multi-award-winning composer Nathan James Dearden, and Fitzhardinge Consort Musical Director Peter Wagstaff. 

Who are The Fitzhardinge Consort?

Since its first concert in April 2000, The Fitzhardinge Consort has undergone a number of transformations and served a number of purposes. Now, its primary purpose is to bring international-standard, rarely-performed choral music to the South West of England and beyond. On top of this, though, the choir undetakes an ambitious programme of charity, education and outreach work, designed to bring music to those that need it most but hear it least.

The choir sings regularly across the region to great critical acclaim, and has quickly become known for its exciting and original interpretations of Renaissance and Baroque music, as well as new works of living composers.

The choir consists of professional musicians from the across the West of England and South Wales. Current members have sung or continue to sing with The Sixteen, the Tallis Scholars, the choirs of St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, and in lead roles on the stages of Covent Garden and Glyndebourne.

For more information about the consort, please viist this website (link embedded).