PRS Composers' Day 2026

The PRS Composers’ Day is an annual event for the classical community. This years’ edition is in partnership with The Night With and will take place in Glasgow. We will be joined by colleagues from the local music industry including Sonica Glasgow, Scottish Ensemble, and Sonic Bothy.

Join your fellow composers for an insightful day of free talks, networking, and live music.

Thursday 5 November
Civic House, Glasgow
13:00-21:30 

About the Day

13:00-13:30 Arrival

13:30–14:45 Building a creative practice

What does it take to build a sustainable creative practice as a composer today? This panel will explore how composers can generate opportunities, build supportive networks, and secure funding for new projects. Led by conductor, composer, and co-artistic director of Riot Ensemble Aaron Holloway-Nahum, the panel will draw on perspectives from composers, producers and funders, offering practical approaches for creating works and sustaining a career from where you are based. 

14:45-15:00 Break (15 minutes)

15:00–16:15  Inside the Commissioning Process

Commissions provide valuable creative and professional opportunities for composers, but the process can sometimes feel opaque. Bringing together perspectives from ensembles, publishers and music creators, this panel will offer an inside view of how commissions come about. It will explore how composers can approach organisations, respond effectively to opportunities, and develop relationships that lead to future collaborations.

16:15-16:30 Break (15 minutes)

16:30–17:30   Understanding and Managing Your Rights

Whatever form your creative practice takes, understanding your rights is essential. But what exactly are your rights, and how can you leverage them to earn a living from your work? PRS for Music’s Classical Relationship Manager, Daniel Lewis, will bring together experts from across the industry to demystify music rights, contract negotiations, and royalties.

17:30-18:30 Break, please use this time to have some dinner before the evening sessions

18:30-19:30 Drinks reception supported by the Hinrichsen Foundation

19:30-21:30 The Night With... IPSA Collective (concert)

If you are travelling to Glasgow for this event and are looking for accommodation, we are pleased to offer a 15% discount at The Clayton Hotel Glasgow . Simply use the code DCR2325 at checkout to redeem your discount. Discount is only valid for 05/11/2026