Call for Nominations: RPS Emily Anderson Violin Prize (UK)

Deadline: 06-Oct-26

The RPS Emily Anderson Violin Prize provides a £1,500 grant to an outstanding solo violinist based in the UK to support their artistic and professional development. The annual prize is designed to help an emerging violinist further their career over the coming year. It places particular emphasis on inclusivity and encourages applications from musicians from under-represented backgrounds.

About the RPS Emily Anderson Violin Prize

The RPS Emily Anderson Violin Prize supports an outstanding solo violinist at an important stage of their professional development. The award is intended to help the selected musician develop their artistic practice and career over the following year. The prize also reflects a commitment to making opportunities more accessible and reducing barriers faced by musicians from under-represented backgrounds. How Much Funding Is Available? The selected solo violinist receives a grant of: - £1,500 The funding is intended to support the recipient’s artistic and professional development during the coming year. Who Can Apply? The prize is open to solo violinists who meet the following requirements: - Applicants can be of any nationality. - Applicants must be based in the UK throughout 2025–26. - Applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 at the application closing date. - Applicants must not have received funding from the Royal Philharmonic Society within three years of the closing date. Applicants should ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements before applying. Focus on Inclusivity The RPS Emily Anderson Violin Prize places particular emphasis on inclusivity and supporting musicians who may face barriers to opportunities within the classical music sector. The Royal Philharmonic Society encourages applications from musicians who are: - Black. - Asian. - Ethnically diverse. - Working class. - Disabled. The Society is committed to minimising barriers to entry and encouraging a wider range of musicians to access development opportunities. Support for Professional Development The prize is intended to help the selected violinist progress their career and artistic development over the coming year. The support can contribute to the recipient’s wider professional development and help them continue building their career as a solo violinist. The award recognises outstanding talent while also supporting the longer-term development of an emerging musician. UK-Based Eligibility Applicants of any nationality can apply, but they must be based in the UK throughout 2025–26. This means that international musicians can be eligible if they meet the UK-based requirement and all other criteria. Age Requirement Applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 at the application closing date. The age requirement is therefore assessed based on the applicant’s age at the time applications close. Previous RPS Funding Applicants must not have received funding from the Royal Philharmonic Society within three years of the application closing date. Musicians should consider their previous RPS funding history when determining whether they are eligible to apply. Why the Prize Matters The RPS Emily Anderson Violin Prize combines recognition of outstanding violin playing with support for professional development.

The prize aims to:

- Support an outstanding solo violinist. - Encourage artistic development. - Support professional career development. - Provide financial assistance during an important stage of an artist’s career. - Increase access to opportunities for under-represented musicians. - Reduce barriers to entry within the music sector. Key Facts About the RPS Emily Anderson Violin Prize

- Prize: RPS Emily Anderson Violin Prize

- Award: £1,500

- Eligible applicants: Solo violinists

- Nationality: Any nationality

- Location: Based in the UK throughout 2025–26

- Age: 18–30 at the application closing date

- Previous funding restriction: Must not have received RPS funding within three years of the closing date

- Purpose: Artistic and professional development

- Inclusion focus: Black, Asian, ethnically diverse, working-class, and disabled musicians are particularly encouraged to apply

Frequently Asked Questions About the RPS Emily Anderson Violin Prize What is the RPS Emily Anderson Violin Prize? It is an annual prize supporting an outstanding solo violinist based in the UK with a grant for artistic and professional development. How much funding does the winner receive? The selected solo violinist receives a £1,500 grant. Who can apply for the prize? Solo violinists of any nationality can apply if they are based in the UK throughout 2025–26 and meet the age and previous RPS funding requirements. What is the age requirement? Applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 at the application closing date. Do applicants have to be UK nationals? No. Applicants can be of any nationality, provided they are based in the UK throughout 2025–26. Can musicians from under-represented backgrounds apply? Yes. The Society particularly encourages applications from Black, Asian, ethnically diverse, working-class, and disabled musicians. Can someone who recently received RPS funding apply? Applicants must not have received funding from the Royal Philharmonic Society within three years of the application closing date. What is the purpose of the £1,500 grant? The grant is intended to support the selected violinist’s artistic and professional development over the coming year. Does the programme aim to reduce barriers to entry? Yes. The Royal Philharmonic Society is committed to minimising barriers to entry and making the opportunity more accessible to musicians from under-represented backgrounds. Conclusion The RPS Emily Anderson Violin Prize offers a £1,500 development grant to an outstanding solo violinist based in the UK. The annual award is designed to support artistic and professional development while promoting greater inclusivity within the music sector. Open to violinists of any nationality aged 18–30 w