FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8th December 2025
The Purcell School, the UK’s oldest specialist music school, is delighted to celebrate an unprecedented achievement as its students are winners in all age categories at the prestigious BBC Young Composer Competition. Following today’s official announcement from the BBC, we are thrilled to share the remarkable success of our young composers.
In a triumphant display of creativity, originality and musicianship, Gerard (Year 13) has been named winner of the Senior category, Nemunis (Year 12) winner of the Upper Junior category, and Luca (Year 10) winner of the Lower Junior category. In addition, Tim (Year 13) has been highly commended, further highlighting the depth and brilliance of compositional talent at the School.
This year’s competition was judged by a distinguished panel of adjudicators – Segun Akinola, Belle Chen, Lloyd Coleman, Tansy Davies, Hannah Donat, Shiva Feshareki, Gavin Higgins and George Moore – whose expertise spans an extraordinary range of contemporary and classical practice. Each category winner will now embark on a bespoke development programme, working closely with a mentor composer on a project with the BBC Concert Orchestra, culminating in an exciting performance or broadcast opportunity.
Reflecting on his award, Gerard said: “I am beyond thrilled and incredibly excited to be one of the winners in my category this year! I’m extremely grateful to have this opportunity to share my music with a wider audience, and to the composition department at Purcell for their continued support!”
For Nemunis, the experience has been both inspiring and deeply personal: “Winning BBC Young Composer is an amazing and unique lifetime experience. I feel super honoured that the panel of composers chose my piece and that I will be able to work with top professionals and create my music on a much larger scale. My winning piece was a response to one of my revered composers, the Argentinian Alberto Ginastera. Inspired by his colourful harmony, yearning melodies and exciting rhythms, I wanted to transport the listener to the region, conveying its fascinating culture and musical spirit.”
Luca also spoke about the creative ideas beyond his composition: “I am humbled to be selected as a BBC Young Composer 2025 winner, and it is incredible to have my music recognised. My piece, ‘Spectralis’, explores the relationship between sound and colour and is primarily inspired by classical Persian modes and elements of spectral music, aiming to create a shifting, immersive world. I am excited to work with a mentor and the BBC Concert Orchestra, and to develop my ideas further.”
This year’s extraordinary success carries special significance for The Purcell School. Head of Composition Alison Cox, who retires at the end of this academic year after 38 years of exceptional service, helped Peter Kingston of The Guardian establish the original BBC Proms/Guardian Young Composer of the Year Competition in 1998. She also served as Musical Director of Endymion, the ensemble that performed the winning works for several years. Her vision and lifelong commitment to nurturing young composers have shaped generations of musicians, and the School is immensely proud to see her legacy reflected so strongly in this year’s results.
Alison Cox reflected not only on the students’ achievement but on the competition more broadly: “I am delighted by the success of our students, but would also like to warmly acknowledge our amazing composition teachers at The Purcell School, who support and encourage all our young emerging composers; not just the winners. Also, I absolutely must congratulate every young composer from around the UK who entered BBC Young Composer. Keep composing and stay in touch with us – YOU are the voices of the future!”
The Purcell School community – students, staff, alumni and supporters – joins together in celebrating this historic moment, underscoring the School’s longstanding commitment to nurturing the UK’s most promising young musical voices.
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