When the composer Colin Matthews founded NMC in 1989, his aim was to remedy the almost non-existent representation of living British composers in the recording catalogues of major labels at the time. NMC’s work supporting the rich breadth of compositional talent from Britain and Ireland means that our catalogue has now grown to hold more than 300 albums.

Without NMC, hundreds of important pieces of music would simply not be recorded and heard by audiences across the world. As a registered charity NMC fundraises vigorously for every release, for the promotion of contemporary music, and for the programme of support it offers composers at every stage.

2024 highlights include:

• NMC to record a new album of Imogen Holst's previously unreleased works, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and the BBC Singers, conducted by Alice Farnham. 
• NMC's flagship Debut Discs series goes from strength to strength, with new debut albums from composers Freya Waley-Cohen, Tom Coult, Lisa Illean, and Richard Baker.
• NMC's commitment to supporting early-career composers continues with our ongoing partnership projects with National Youth Choir and the Philharmonia, and we share the results of a new collaboration between Drake Music Scotland, the Disabled Artist Network, Tŷ Cerdd, and NMC.
• On 3 July NMC joins forces with Spitalfields Festival for a special birthday concert celebrating 35 years of NMC.

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