Submit Entries for RPS Henderson Chamber Ensemble Award (UK)

Deadline: 06-Oct-26

Applications are open for the RPS Henderson Chamber Ensemble Award, which supports UK-based chamber ensembles seeking to establish and develop their careers together. The award provides up to £5,000 to a selected chamber ensemble of 3–10 performers. It reflects the Royal Philharmonic Society’s commitment to nurturing a diverse and vibrant chamber music scene while addressing barriers faced by emerging ensembles.

About the RPS Henderson Chamber Ensemble Award

The RPS Henderson Chamber Ensemble Award is designed to support emerging chamber ensembles as they develop their careers and strengthen their artistic work. The award contributes to the Royal Philharmonic Society’s wider commitment to building a diverse and vibrant chamber music sector and supporting ensembles at an important stage of their professional development. It is intended for ensembles that have already established a working relationship and are seeking support to develop their careers together. How Much Funding Is Available? The selected ensemble can receive up to £5,000. The grant is typically distributed in two portions:

- Half of the award: Upon award in Autumn 2026.

- Remaining half: In Spring 2027.

The funding is intended to support the ensemble’s further development over the following year. Who Can Apply? The award is open to chamber ensembles that meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligible ensembles must:

- Consist of 3–10 performers. - Be based in the UK throughout 2025–26. - Be made up of performers of any nationality. - Perform in eligible combinations of string, wind, brass, keyboard, or percussion instruments. - Have performed together for at least two years. - Have a majority of players aged between 18 and 30 at the application closing date. - Not have received RPS funding since 6 October 2023. Ensembles whose members are from outside the EU must also ensure that all members have the necessary visas to perform regularly in the UK. Eligible Instrument Combinations The award is open to chamber ensembles performing in combinations involving: - Strings. - Wind instruments. - Brass instruments. - Keyboard instruments. - Percussion instruments. This allows ensembles working across a range of chamber music formats to be considered, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements. Ensemble Experience Requirement Eligible ensembles must have performed together for at least two years. This requirement ensures that the award supports established emerging ensembles that have already developed experience working together as a group. Applicants should therefore be able to demonstrate their history of performing together. Age Requirement The majority of ensemble members must be aged between 18 and 30 at the application closing date. The age requirement applies to the composition of the ensemble rather than requiring every member to fall within the specified age range. UK Residency and Visa Requirements The ensemble must be based in the UK throughout 2025–26. Members can be of any nationality. However, members from outside the EU must have the necessary visas to perform regularly in the UK. Applicants should ensure that all ensemble members meet the relevant UK performance and immigration requirements. Previous RPS Funding Applicants must not have received RPS funding since 6 October 2023. Ensembles should consider this requirement before submitting an application and ensure that their previous funding history does not make them ineligible. What Is the Purpose of the Award? The RPS Henderson Chamber Ensemble Award aims to help emerging chamber ensembles establish sustainable careers together.

The award seeks to:

- Support emerging chamber ensembles. - Encourage artistic development. - Help ensembles establish their careers. - Strengthen the UK chamber music scene. - Support a diverse and vibrant chamber music sector. - Address barriers faced by emerging ensembles. - Provide development support during an important stage of an ensemble’s career. Development Support Over the Following Year The funding is structured to support continued development rather than only providing one-time assistance. By distributing the grant in two portions, with the first payment in Autumn 2026 and the remainder in Spring 2027, the award is designed to support the ensemble’s development over the following year. Key Facts About the RPS Henderson Chamber Ensemble Award

- Award: RPS Henderson Chamber Ensemble Award

- Maximum funding: £5,000

- Eligible ensemble size: 3–10 performers

- Nationality: Any nationality

- Location: Based in the UK throughout 2025–26

- Instrument groups: String, wind, brass, keyboard, and percussion combinations

- Minimum ensemble experience: Two years of performing together

- Age requirement: Majority of players aged 18–30 at the application closing date

- First payment: Half of the award in Autumn 2026

- Second payment: Remaining half in Spring 2027

- Previous RPS funding: Applicants must not have received RPS funding since 6 October 2023

- Visa requirement: Members from outside the EU must have necessary visas to perform regularly in the UK

Frequently Asked Questions About the RPS Henderson Chamber Ensemble Award What is the RPS Henderson Chamber Ensemble Award? It is an award from the Royal Philharmonic Society supporting UK-based chamber ensembles that are establishing and developing their careers together. How much funding can an ensemble receive? The selected ensemble can receive up to £5,000. How is the £5,000 award paid? The grant is typically divided into two portions, with half awarded in Autumn 2026 and the remaining half in Spring 2027. How many performers can an eligible ensemble have? Eligible chamber ensembles must have between 3 and 10 performers. Can performers of any nationality apply? Yes. Ensembles can include performers of any nationality, provided they meet the UK-based requirements. What instruments can ensembles use? Eligible ensembles can perform in combinations involving stri