The Cumnock Tryst: 2nd International Summer School
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
The Cumnock Tryst Announces
2nd International Summer School for Composers
22–28 August 2026
Led by Sir James MacMillan and Brett Dean, in partnership with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra
The Cumnock Tryst is delighted to announce the second International Summer School for Composers, which will take place from 22–28 August 2026 at the Dumfries House estate in Cumnock, East Ayrshire.
Following the success of the inaugural course in 2024, which attracted composers from across the UK, Europe, North America and China, the week-long residential programme will once again offer eight selected composers an exceptional opportunity to develop their craft under the guidance of two of the world’s leading contemporary composers: The Cumnock Tryst’s Founder and Artistic Director, Sir James MacMillan, and acclaimed Australian composer and violist, Brett Dean.
For the first time, The Cumnock Tryst is partnering with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), who will provide an octet of musicians to work alongside the composers throughout the week. This exciting new collaboration will give participants the invaluable experience of hearing their works shaped and rehearsed by professional orchestral musicians in real time. Throughout the week, the eight participants will benefit from individual feedback and guidance from both James and Brett.
Sir James MacMillan quote:
“The Cumnock Tryst is committed to encouraging the composers of today at all levels, from the very young in our East Ayrshire home to advanced international students at the beginning of their careers. The course also signals The Cumnock Tryst’s intentions to amplify our international standing and impact in the world of contemporary music.”
The week will culminate on Friday 28 August with a public performance of the new works at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall’s New Auditorium at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the RSNO’s state-of-the-art venue — presenting the eight compositions created during the course, performed by the RSNO ensemble.
RSNO Chief Executive Alistair Mackie quote:
“I am delighted that we are partnering with The Cumnock Tryst on their International Summer School for Composers for the first time. It’s a real privilege to provide these emerging composers with the chance to work directly with our musicians. We know that opportunities like this are invaluable for career development as we’ve seen so many great composers come through experiences like this, so I look forward to seeing where the future takes this year’s participants.”
The course is open to composers aged 18 and older. There is no maximum age limit, reflecting The Cumnock Tryst’s commitment to making the course as inclusive and accessible as possible. Applications should be submitted via the Cumnock Tryst website <https://www.thecumnocktryst.com/international-summer-school-for-composers>. The closing date for applications is Friday 27 March at 5pm.
The International Summer School for Composers represents the pinnacle of The Cumnock Tryst’s engagement programme, which nurtures composers at every level — from primary and secondary school children in East Ayrshire through to advanced international composers.
The course was inspired by Sir James MacMillan’s own formative experiences at the St Magnus Festival courses on Orkney, run by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, and at other celebrated courses at Dartington, Aldeburgh and Darmstadt, which have been profoundly influential in the development of contemporary classical music.
For full details and application information, visit www.thecumnocktryst.com.
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