A new project is helping amateur composers create music for unusual combinations of instruments.

The partnership between the University of Southampton and Contemporary Music for All (CoMA) is nurturing new talent and aims to explore the concept of tailoring music to specific ensembles.

These include unique groups with flutes, clarinets, violin, viola, piano, guitar, tuba, kazoos, protest horns, and toy instruments.

CoMA, a participatory new music charity, fosters a culture of musical creativity and inclusive collaboration across the UK and beyond.

The project, titled 'CoMA Bespoke', will culminate in a celebratory concert on June 14 in London, where 15 original compositions will premiere.

University of Southampton professor and composer, Matthew Shlomowitz, is mentoring three up-and-coming composers, each paired with a CoMA ensemble.

Uri Agnon, Fraz Ireland, and Franklyn Oliver are not only composing new works for their respective ensembles, but are also inspiring and supporting ensemble members to create their own original pieces.

Matthew said: "This project is all about widening participation in music creation, getting amateur musicians composing.

"Our booklet of compositional prompts provides ways of thinking about beginnings, structure, notation, audience-text, surprise, and with engaging political ideas."

The project builds upon Matthew's 'Music for Cohabitors' project, initiated during the pandemic, which involved creating personalised compositions for households.

CoMA Bespoke takes this concept further by involving amateur musicians in the composition process.

Matthew noted: "The ensembles in CoMA Bespoke are instrumentally diverse and the different types of musicians involved will undoubtedly influence the composition of all the pieces."

CoMA's chief executive officer and artistic director, Tamara Kohler, said: "CoMA Bespoke has been a joy to host - we’ve watched so many of our long-term music-makers discover new musical skills through their first compositional experiences.

"Creativity is boundless, no matter what age or experience level you are, and thanks to the inspiring leadership of Matthew, Uri, Fraz and Franklyn, we’re looking forward to presenting a suite of joyful, entertaining and adventurous new works, created and performed directly by the CoMA community."

The project is supported by a grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.