SCL Opens First International Chapter, SCL UK, in London
The Society of Composers & Lyricists launched SCL UK at AIR Studios with a reception, a steering committee led by Nainita Desai, and a tribute to George Fenton.
The Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL) opened SCL UK, its first permanent international chapter, with a reception at AIR Studios in North London on October 1, 2026, according to Deadline.
SCL President Ashley Irwin attended the launch. The SCL UK Steering Committee is led by Nainita Desai.
Musicians performed compositions by five SCL UK members: Ruth Barrett, Stephen Barton, Atli Örvarsson, Carly Paradis, and Daniel Pemberton. Pemberton introduced a performance of his Project Hail Mary score.
The evening ended with a tribute to composer George Fenton, including a medley of his work.
Background
The SCL has supported composers and lyricists in the US for more than four decades and has existing chapters in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Nashville. Composer George Fenton, who received five Oscar nominations for Gandhi (1983), Cry Freedom (1988), Dangerous Liaisons (1989), and The Fisher King (1992), and wrote the music for The Blue Planet, died on October 5, after the SCL UK launch.
Quick answers
What is SCL UK?
SCL UK is the first permanent international chapter of the Society of Composers & Lyricists, based in London and led by a steering committee under Nainita Desai.
Where was SCL UK launched?
SCL UK was launched with a reception at AIR Studios in North London on October 1, 2026.