Oxford University Press (OUP) has urged composers “within the broader spectrum of gender” to submit their work to improve the publisher’s diversity.

The publisher has found that certain groups within its catalogue are “underrepresented” and has since issued an online call for submissions.

Established in 1923, the OUP is one of the oldest publishers in the world but has recognised shortcomings in publishing work from those who “identify on the broader spectrum of gender.”

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The online call for submissions stated: “Oxford University Press is committed to promoting and maintaining a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and acting upon issues of diversity and inclusion is vitally important to fulfilling our mission.

“We recognise that many groups are currently under-represented in our music catalogue, and we are committed to changing and rapidly improving this through future publishing.

“OUP is immensely proud of its music list and our editorial team regularly reviews new compositions from composers of all backgrounds.”

The call out made specific reference to “women”, those who “live with a disability”, “under-represented ethnic groups” and those who come from a “lower socio-economic group.”

The OUP has not clarified whether those from white, heterosexual and able-bodied groups will still be able to submit their choir and organ pieces.

Famous OUP composers have included William Walton, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Constant Lambert.