A new scheme to give a boost to British orchestral music from the past 25 years has been launched by the PRS for Music Foundation.

Called Resonate, it will encourage and support up to 12 orchestras in programming pieces that are felt to deserve wider exposure than they've received, through grants of up to £10,000. The grant is designed to allow them to rehearse, perform and tour such works, which they can choose from a database comprising 524 works by 173 composers. In making an application, orchestras will need to demonstrate how they will promote their chosen work, and make a strong case for why it needs reviving in the first place.  

‘Whilst we all enjoy the excitement of hearing a brand new piece, it’s clear that audiences will never have the chance to get to know music unless more of it is toured and imaginatively programmed way beyond its first performance', said Vanessa Reed, Executive Director, PRS for Music Foundation. ‘That’s why we’re launching Resonate and focussing, in this three-year pilot, on the huge number of brilliant pieces for orchestra that deserve more exposure.’

The scheme is a partnership between PRS for Music Foundation, the Association of British Orchestras and BBC Radio 3, which will broadcast the pieces. To find out more about the scheme, and to view the database of works, visit the Resonate website.