NMC is all about expanding audiences for the best classical music written by living British composers. New music continues to suffer from a perception of irrelevance or remoteness, or is simply seen to be too challenging; premieres of commissions rarely attract the profile surrounding major events in other art forms; classical composers don't enjoy the exposure of other creative personalities; new work is rarely performed post-premiere; and young people are particularly hard to reach.

By bringing brand new work out of the traditional concert hall setting and into one of the world's leading museums we hope to reach new listeners and deepen appreciation by offering 'orchestral theatre' in an inspiring context. Museum visitors can try composing, event audiences will become creators/performers in their own right, 11-14 year olds will explore the science curriculum through composition, and the works will live on and reach additional listeners via Aurora touring and an NMC release.