Composer Expo Day 2025

This event took place on 6 October, 2025. More similar events are being planned, so please read on to find out about the first Composer Expo Day.

What is it?

A chance for composers to meet and talk to programmers, press, publishers, agents, funders, performers, and potential commissioners. It is part of a day being planned in collaboration with Föreningen Svenska Tonsättare (Swedish Society of Composers) that will also include a showcase concert being given by the Scottish Ensemble and a concert of music for 4-channel surround sound electronics. The day sits in between a number of other events taking place in and around Glasgow, so there is a rich programme of contemporary music in and around the city over this weekend.

This is a pilot event, with a view to expanding it next year and making it a regular chance for Scotland’s composers to meet as wide a range of programmers and commissioners as possible, so some feedback after the event will be very much welcomed.


Where is it and when?

Monday 6 October from 10.30am through to 4.30pm, at Civic House, Glasgow.


How will it work?

Each composer will have a nominated spot at one of the tables. They will have scores, CDs, a laptop with some headphones, a QR code linking to a playlist…various ways of sharing their music. A delegate list will be shared ahead of time, and there will be time to meet and talk to a range of composers. Tea and coffee will be on hand, and a light lunch will be provided at 12.

The Scottish Ensemble concert will take place from 1 – 2pm and then the electronics concert will be from 3 – 3.45pm. Around those times, the aim is to facilitate as many conversations and connections as possible. Programme details are here.


What else is on around it?

2 – 5 October – The Cumnock Tryst takes place in New Cumnock, Ayrshire

3 October - the SCO open their season at 7.30pm - music by Strauss, MacMillan and Beethoven

4 October – the RSNO open their season at 7.30pm – music by Knussen, Ravel and Mahler

4 & 5 October - Red Note Ensemble’s Factory Weekend for young instrumentalists

5 October – the Estonian Philharmonic Choir and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra at 7.30pm – Arvo Pärt at 90

6 October – The Night With…Stockholm Chamber Brass at 8pm