The River Thames has inspired artists, poets and authors for centuries - from Monet to Wordsworth to Dickens.

Flowing through rural Oxfordshire, the heart of London and out into the North Sea via Essex and Kent, human activity along the edge of the river traces back to pre-Roman times.

To this end, the story of the Thames is the story of Britain.

County Hall Arts (CHA) is delighted to announce its latest competition in honour of this renowned river. Classical music composers are invited to submit proposals for the River Thames quartet composition concours with the opportunity to share in a prize pool of €90,000.

Proposed works might be inspired by and reflect the history, vibrancy and natural wonder of the Thames.

The first stage of the competition invites composers to submit a short "pitch document" (up to 3 pages, this may be text and/or image-based) setting out their vision for this classical River Thames quartet composition. In addition, entrants should please supply an audio file or link to an earlier composition, a previous sample score composed for a quartet or small ensemble (ideally corresponding to the aforementioned audio file) and a biography/CV.

The concours is open for these 'first stage' submissions from 4th March through to 25th July 2025.

A selection of entrants will be long-listed and invited to create their quartet composition for a second stage of adjudication. The work then commissioned should be for flute quartet (flute, violin, viola and cello) - with a separate version to also be created for piano quartet. It’s anticipated that the winning and second place pieces will ultimately be performed by the County Hall Quartet and Kyoto Quartet.

The winner will be awarded a prize of €40,000. Up to five other finalists will each receive €10,000.

Over the centuries, the Thames has been a scene of innovation, inspiration and on occasion tragedy.

Central to the region’s pottery trade during the Middle Ages, the 1600s saw the City of London organise a range of pageants along the river and even a series of ‘Frost Fairs’ during the coldest winters.

The Royal Docks, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster have been visible from the river's shores for centuries - County Hall itself opened its doors in 1922. The Southbank is now a world famous culture centre - modern additions include the Tate Modern, the London Eye and the Millennium Bridge.

Outside of London, boating in the Cotswolds, the royal swans and the historic market town of Windsor offer a glimpse of life on the river in years gone by, a simpler time.

Ultimately, the Thames is much more than a stretch of water - its impact on life in Britain and thus the wider world cannot be over-estimated, that influence continues. At the same time, the river is a striking and vivid encapsulation of the power, beauty and enigma of Mother Nature.

Before you fill in the Submission Form, please read the Terms and Conditions.