Tuesday 9 June 2026, 7-9pm 
St George’s Church, Bloomsbury 

Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SA 

The Bloomsbury Woodwind Ensemble (BWE), in association with BASBWE, invites composers and arrangers to take part in an open workshop – a unique opportunity to hear their music performed live and to explore new creative ideas for woodwind orchestra. 

Building on the success of previous workshops, many of the featured pieces have gone on to receive additional performances and even professional recordings, underscoring the workshop’s value as a springboard for fresh new writing. 

BWE is a vibrant adult amateur woodwind orchestra of around 50 players, recognised for its bold and distinctive programming. The ensemble collaborates with imaginative artists across genres, performing a dynamic mix of light music, core repertoire and works by contemporary composers. Find out more about BWE at bloomsburymusicgroup.org.uk. 

We are delighted to welcome Shea Lolin back as Musical Director in 2026, following his tenure from 2005–2021. His return marks an exciting period of renewal for BWE, including the development of a new music programme and a new commission for woodwind orchestra. As Chair of BASBWE, Shea continues to champion the creation of new music – an integral part of BASBWE’s mission – making this workshop a timely celebration of that shared aim. 

Please note that BWE is not a professional ensemble, and workshop time will be limited. We plan to invite four composers, each allocated a 30-minute session. BWE also welcomes expressions of interest from arrangers wishing to join its panel (paid opportunities). Participants and guests will have the chance to hear the ensemble in concert on Saturday 16 May 2026 in London – full details are available on the website. 

Workshop Details 

• Date: Tuesday 28 November 2026, 7-9pm 
St George’s Church, Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SA 
 

• Format: Open workshop for composers and arrangers of all levels to trial new material for woodwind orchestra. 

• Submissions: Scores, short excerpts, or sketches may be submitted in advance (see contact details below). Accepted formats include Sibelius, PDF or clearly handwritten scores. 
 

• Performance: Works will be rehearsed with BWE and may be conducted by either the Music Director, Shea Lolin, or by the composer.  

• Cost: There is no fee to participate as a composer. 

• Conditions: Although the workshop does not offer payment or travel expenses, it provides an excellent opportunity to develop new repertoire for woodwind orchestra and may lead to future arrangement or performance possibilities. 

Instrumentation of BWE 

Flute 1 (6 Players) 2 Players double piccolo  

Flute 2 (6 Players)  

Oboe 1 (2 players) 

Oboe 2 (2 players) 

Clarinet 1 in Bb (6 players) 

Clarinet 2 in Bb (6 players) 

Bass Clarinet in Bb (2 players) 

Alto Saxophone 1 in Eb (2 players) 

Alto Saxophone 2 in Eb (2 players) 

Tenor Saxophone in Bb (2 players) 

Baritone Saxophone in Eb (2 players)  

Bassoon (4 players) 

Apply with an outline of your proposal to Colin Izod Chairman BWE at  colinizod@mac.com