Liverpool Philharmonic is delighted to announce that Rob Hughes has been named the winner of the 2026–27 Rushworth Composition Prize.
Rob is the 11th composer to receive the prize and will be recognised in a special concert of contemporary classical works on Wednesday, 25th February at The Tung Auditorium.
In association with The Rushworth Foundation and The Ivors Academy, the prize provides early-career composers with an exceptional range of opportunities, such as creating new work and building long-term collaborative and creative relationships with Liverpool Philharmonic.
On winning the prize, Rob Hughes said:
“I’m incredibly excited to be working with everyone at the Liverpool Philharmonic over the coming year, and hugely grateful for this opportunity.
“It’s a massive privilege to work with an organisation so dedicated to supporting the creation of new music, in a city with so much musical heritage.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with the incredible musicians of Ensemble 10:10 and building connections that I will take with me for the rest of my career.”
Zoë Armfield, Head of Learning at Liverpool Philharmonic, commented:
“We are delighted to award the Prize to Rob this year.
“The Rushworth Composition Prize is an integral part of Liverpool Philharmonic’s support for emerging talent in the North West.
“Now in its 11th year, it is incredible to see the way our composers’ careers have developed and the heights they have achieved.
“Classical music is an important living, breathing art form, and it is so important to provide a platform for new music and champion new artists from our region.”
Supporting Emerging Talent in the North West Music Scene
A composer, arranger and cellist based in Manchester, Rob Hughes is emerging as one of the most exciting young voices in contemporary music.
His music spans classical concert works, ambient electronic soundscapes, big band jazz and music theatre.
Rob’s work Refraction premiered at King’s Place in November 2025, and he has recently collaborated on an original score for Catching My Stalker, a true-crime documentary broadcast on Channel 4 in September 2025.
Rob will receive a £1,000 cash prize, made possible through the support of The Rushworth Foundation.
Mentorship and New Commissions with Ensemble 10:10
The Prize will also give Rob a unique, year-long experience to develop his talent at Liverpool Philharmonic.
It will enable him to participate in a programme of masterclasses, workshops and mentoring sessions delivered by conductors, composers, performers and other professionals associated with Liverpool Philharmonic.
The prize will culminate in the commission of new work by Rob performed by Ensemble 10:10 in the 2026/27 season, showcasing the boldest and most innovative new music being written today.
The Rushworth Composition Prize continues to champion outstanding emerging compositional talent.
Andrew Barney, who received the prize last year, will be premiering his new work, If It Were For Peace, in A Choral Celebration at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Thursday, 23rd April.
Other alumni have gone on to achieve national recognition, including Grace-Evangeline Mason, Nneka Cummins, Bethany Morgan Williams, and Carmel Smickersgill, who has been commissioned for the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestras’ 75th Birthday on Sunday, 1st March.
