The Cumnock Tryst has announced its first International Summer-School for Composers with Sir James MacMillan and Anna Thorvaldstottir.

Running August 4 – 10 in Cumnock, Scotland, eight participants will immerse themselves in their craft, benefitting from individual feedback and guidance from two of the world’s leading contemporary composers. The week will culminate in a public performance at Dumfries House with a professional ensemble playing the new works.

MacMillan is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Cumnock Tryst. His operas include “Inés de Castro” which premiere at the Edinburgh International Festival in 1996, “Parthenogenesis,” “Clemency,” and “The Sacrifice.” MacMillan has also written several musical theatre pieces and choral works.

Although known for her orchestral works, Thorvaldstottir’s catalogue includes “Ad Genua,” for choir and string quintet
and choral pieces “Heyr þú oss himnum á,” and “Hey mig mín sál.” In 2012, she was named the winner of the Nordic Council Music Prize.

Applications are open worldwide to aspiring composers between the ages of 18 and 30.