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Folk, jazz and mandolin players among music groups and composers chosen to collaborate for Adopt a Composer
The year-long Adopt a Composer project matches vocal and instrumental music groups from the vibrant leisure-time music scene with some of the UK’s most promising composers, culminating in a première performance and broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
This unique scheme challenges music groups and composers to work together to create a brand new piece of music.
Announcing the 2018-19 pairings:
WEST MIDLANDS
Chloe Knibbs is inspired by city life, folk tales and personal experiences, and explores feminist and social issues in her music.
with
Ex Urbe is a chamber choir that aims to help its audiences explore choral music, singing diverse repertoire from Vivaldi’s Gloria to lesser known a cappella works.
WEST YORKSHIRE
James Banner is a jazz composer in residence for Make The Paint Dance, a tutor at Leeds College of Music and workshop leader for Jazzlines Town Hall Symphony Hall, Birmingham.
with
Two Rivers Concert Band has over 50 members ranging in age from 16 to over 70, and plays music ranging from Baroque to modern.
LONDON
Guitarist Laura Snowden’s compositions have been broadcast on BBC radio and Hong Kong Radio 4. She is currently writing for the ABRSM guitar syllabus, and a commission for Birmingham Symphony Hall.
with
Chandos Chamber Choir sings both sacred and secular music from the sixteenth century to the present day a cappella or with keyboard, chamber-ensemble or orchestra.
WALES
Nathan James Dearden has worked with groups such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. He conducts the New Voices Consort and New Music Collective.
with
Swansea Philharmonic Choir members enjoy performing repertoire by British composers such as Vaughan Williams, Britten and Elgar, as well as introducing audiences to works by Daniel Jones, Karl Jenkins and more.
SCOTLAND
Nicholas Olsen has worked with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and more, as well as choruses, junior choruses and brass bands.
with
Da Capo Alba is the adult orchestral section of the Lanarkshire Guitar and Mandolin Association whose members play mandolin, mandola, guitar and bass and have a background in classical, folk and rock music.
SOUTHAMPTON
Robert Laidlow is a jazz saxophonist whose work has been played by groups including Ensemble Modern, Milwaukee Symphony and Ballet and the Britten Sinfonia.
with
Southampton Concert Wind Band, concert and bandstand performers that have played with groups ranging from brass bands to choirs.
Hannah Bujic, Co-Head of Artist Development, Sound and Music, said:
Sound and Music is thrilled to be partnering with Making Music again on Adopt a Composer. It’s a unique and challenging programme, which can forge deep and lasting relationships between the composers and groups, making it an unrivalled development opportunity for composers. We’re excited to see what comes of this year’s pairings as they start the creative process together.
Barbara Eifler, Chief Executive of Making Music, said:
Adopt a Composer’s popularity shows the leisure-time music sector’s appetite for new music and for their own artistic development. It is the leisure-time music sector which pioneers many living composers in every corner of the UK and this programme supports that leisure-time ambition excellently.
Since it began in 2000, Adopt a Composer has produced over 100 new commissions, with many of the composers going on to have success nationally and internationally.
The project is run by Making Music in partnership with Sound and Music, in association with BBC Radio 3, and funded by the PRS Foundation and Philip and Dorothy Green Trust.
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For more information contact Sally Palmer, Membership & Projects Manager, at sally@makingmusic.org.uk
Making Music, 8 Holyrood Street, London SE1 2EL
020 7939 6030
info@makingmusic.org.uk
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Making Music, The National Federation of Music Societies
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Registered Charity in England and Wales no. 249219 and in Scotland no. SC038849
Notes to editors
Since 1935, Making Music has championed leisure-time music groups across the UK with practical services, artistic development opportunities and by providing a collective voice for its members. We now represent over 3,700 groups made up of around 190,000 musicians of all types, genres and abilities. We help them run their group so they can get on with making music! www.makingmusic.org.uk
Sound and Music is the national charity for new music in the UK. Their mission is to maximise the opportunities for people to create and enjoy new music. Their work includes composer and artist development, partnerships with a range of organisations, audience development, touring, information and advice, network building, and education. They champion new music and the work of British composers and artists, and seek to ensure that they are at the heart of cultural life and enjoyed by many. www.soundandmusic.org
