Borealis Ung Komponist is a mentor programme for versatile music creators who are in the starting phase of developing as a composer, or who wants to further develop their skills to write music for others. Borealis work to promote a wide range of voices and role models – and want the future of experimental music to be characterised by many different perspectives. The programme has no upper age limit, and the participants of the mentor programme are remunerated.

The programme is not happening in 2023/24, but we hope to be back for 2024/25!

The mentor programme was first organised in 2017 and is one of Borealis’ most important initiatives throughout the year. 20 music creators have “graduated” from Borealis Ung Komponist and have gone on to create their own recognised projects in the field of contemporary music, but also in jazz and performing arts. The mentor programme has contributed to a richer and more vibrant music scene in Western Norway, but also nationally, by raising new voices in the field of experimental music. It aims to stimulate more inovation and exchange of experience, and to encourage budding composers to step forward and take their place. Borealis Ung Komponist also aims to provide professional competence to the new generation of Norwegian composers. Borealis wants to continue this important work of finding and shaping the next generation of music creators with a penchant for experimenting with sound and sees that there is a need to increase the width of representation on the programme. The festival has long focused and worked hard to represent the society it exists in, both on, in front of and behind stage, by making conscious choices on gender balance and ethnic diversity in its programme.