OPEN CALL FOR MUSICIANS

UK-based solo musicians and duos are invited to apply to perform a 45-minute recital at the historic County Hall on London’s South Bank, as part of Seeds of Change, a new multidisciplinary festival celebrating growth, transformation, and the power of small steps.

Selected musicians will perform as part of the festival programme in front of a live audience at one of London’s most iconic cultural landmarks.

Bringing together music, film, visual arts, food, and creative workshops, the festival explores how ideas, traditions, and artistic practices take root and flourish when nurtured.

Key Information

Festival: Seeds of Change – County Hall, London
Performance dates: Sunday 3 May (at 1 pm) and Monday 4 May (at 6 pm) 2026
Format: 45-minute recital (solo or duo)
Location: Kiln Courtyard, County Hall
Fee: £200 (solo) / £300 (duo)
Application deadline: 13th April 2026

Who Can Apply

We welcome applications from UK-based emerging musicians, applying as soloists or duos, with programmes centred on classical music.

A keyboard will be available on site for pianists, whether performing solo or as part of a duo.

Performance Format

• 45-minute recital
• Performances will take place on Sunday 3 May at 1 pm and Monday 4 May at 6 pm
• Outdoor performance in the Kiln Courtyard, County Hall (with an alternative indoor space in case of bad weather)
• Applicants will be asked to indicate their availability for one or both dates

Performance Fee

County Hall Arts is a registered charity, with a focus on supporting emerging talent while making classical music accessible to a wide audience. Festival events are free to attend and the programme is run on a not-for-profit basis.

The performance fee is:
• £200 — solo recital
• £300 — duo recital

Fees are all-inclusive and cover the performance and basic rehearsal time. Unfortunately, we are unable to cover additional travel or accommodation expenses, so please take this into account when applying.

Programme Proposal

Applicants are asked to submit:
•  a proposed 45 -minute programme (repertoire)
• a short description (up to 150 words) explaining the artistic idea behind the programme and how it relates to the festival theme “Seeds of Change”.

The theme invites musicians to think of the seed as a metaphor: small ideas, first steps, and artistic practices that flourish when nurtured.

Performance Videos

Please provide up to two links to recent performance videos (YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, etc.).

• Each video should not exceed 10 minutes.
• Videos should ideally show the same formation as your application (solo or duo).
• Recordings should have clear audio and video quality. Low-quality recordings (e.g. unclear sound or image) may not be considered.

Selection

Two applicants (soloists or duos) will be selected to perform as part of the festival programme. Successful applicants will be notified by email in mid- April. Due to the expected volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback.

Applications will be assessed based on:
• artistic quality
• clarity of concept
• suitability for the festival context
Seeds of Change is a curated festival, not a competition.

How to Apply

Please complete the online application form.

application form

The form is quick to complete and includes space to upload performance links and your short programme proposal.

Application deadline: 13th April 2026

Should you have any questions regarding this submission process, please contact us at festival@countyhallarts.com.