Manchester will play host to the UK’s largest festival of new British music between Saturday October 26 and Saturday November 2.
More than 30 free and ticketed concerts will be sandwiched into a mere seven days as the Royal Northern College of Music and University of Manchester host the ‘New Music North West’ festival.
Squeezing in lunch and evening performances, the exhausting schedule includes more than 10 world premières from both established and aspiring composers, living and working in the North West.
With performances by leading new music exponents Psappha, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s Ensemble 10/10 and the BBC Philharmonic, as well as concerts by new groups such as House of Bedlam, Trio Atem, the festival’s Creative Director, Clark Rundell says it will be ‘simply the largest, most exciting festival of new British music in 2013’.
There will be performances of compositions of alumni from the RNCM and University of Manchester whilst there will be a special feature on Liverpool musician Edwin Roxburgh whose works are renowned for their scintillating textures and beautifully crafted soundworlds.
In a novel twist, all the composers in the festival will introduced by David Horne, the Scottish pianist and composer, in his session Exploring the North West, which takes place on October 28.
Featured composers will be sending messages and recordings in a variety of styles and formats, some professionally recorded and some from their own smart phones.
“This is an insight into their composition with their own personalities shining through as well, and provides a rare perspective into new music,” said Mr Rundell.
Over the past decade numerous new composers, artists and ensembles have opted to establish their careers in the North West, with Manchester in particular proving a popular choice. Mr Rundell issued a word of advice for audiences, wanting to experience the talents that the festival will showcase:
“Be prepared to pin your ears back and be taken on quite a listening journey,” he said.
For ticketed concerts, contact the RNCM Box Office on 0161 907 5555 or the Martin Harris Centre Box Office on 0161 275 8951. Alternatively, book online at www.rncm.ac.uk/newmusicnorthwest
Picture courtesy of Steve Snodgrass, with thanks.
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