Composition graduate Kornélia Nemcová has been chosen as a National Youth Choir Emerging Professional Artist (EPA) for 2025 after a highly competitive application process.
Four Young Composers – including Trinity Laban composition graduate Kornélia Nemcová – two Young Conductors and four Fellows were selected to make up this year’s cohort; all of whom will spend 2025 working alongside National Youth Choir to gain invaluable professional experience. The schemes each offer a fully funded, year-long programme of professional development opportunities to emerging professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds and musical genres.
Kornélia Nemcová is a London-based Slovak composer, whose music was played by ensembles such as Terra Invisus, The Ruffians, Trinity Laban String Ensemble, Trinity Laban Symphony Orchestra and members of ZOE Chamber Orchestra. Her project, ‘A Woman’s War’, centred around Ukrainian women refugees, created with artist Natália Štojková, was awarded the Trinity Laban Innovation Award 2024. The digital version of this piece was displayed in Outernet, at the London Breeze Film Festival and appeared at Internationales Digitalkunst Festival. Kornélia holds a BMus in Composition from Trinity Laban. Amongst her current projects is participation in the Film Composers Lab scheme with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Kornélia says: “I’m beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to dive deeper into the world of choral music with the National Youth Choir, joining so many talented young singers and fellow Emerging Professional Artists.”
Now in its seventh year, the Young Composers Scheme champions the development, innovation and diversity of new choral music. Emerging composers aged 18-29 benefit from a range of residential courses, creative retreats, workshops, peer and professional mentoring and performance showcases along with expert advice and tuition from distinguished composers. It also provides the unique opportunity to write music to be sung by the National Youth Choir.
Professional training and insights, and a professional recording and release for their work will be facilitated by Digital Partner NMC Recordings. Free licenses and training in Dorico Pro notation software are provided by Principal Innovation Sponsor Steinberg Media Technologies, and they will also receive unique opportunities provided by Innovation Partner Stainer & Bell.
Ruth Evans, Executive Producer at National Youth Choir has led the development of the EPA programme since 2020. She says: “In 2025 we are celebrating ten years of National Youth Choir’s Emerging Professional Artists programme, a milestone to celebrate!
Joining the new cohort are ten phenomenal young artists from across the UK who care passionately about choral music, music education and new music.
Our 2025 Young Composers, Young Conductors and Fellowship are a dynamic, collaborative and diverse group. Through working with them at the selection process, we know they will enrich the National Youth Choir community in 2025 and for years to come.”