Join us on November 30th, 2024, at Wigmore Hall in London for a spectacular day dedicated to the incredible compositions of Daniel Kidane. From the evocative 'Cradle Song' to the dynamic 'Movements' and 'Primitive Blaze,' the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and other talented artists will bring Kidane's vibrant and imaginative works to life.

Experience Daniel Kidane's Musical Brilliance at Wigmore Hall, London

Experience the brilliance of Rebecca Saunders' compositions in two captivating events. On November 26th, the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group delivers a mesmerizing performance of 'Stirrings' at Wigmore Hall in London. Following this, on November 27th, the BCMG graces the CBSO Centre in Birmingham with the ethereal 'Secret Kiss'. Both events promise an unforgettable journey through intimate and evocative music.

Rebecca Saunders' Masterpieces Shine in London and Birmingham Events

Join BCMG for our afternoon concert at Wigmore Hall's Daniel Kidane Focus Day. Hear Daniel's music, described by the Financial Times as ‘quietly impressive’ and by The Times as ‘tautly constructed’ and ’vibrantly imagined’ in one of the world’s great concert halls.

The programme includes Cradle Song for tenor (Elgan Llŷr Thomas) and ensemble, a setting of the poem by William Blake, commissioned through BCMG's Sound Investment Scheme and premiered in 2023. In this concert, Kidane is paired with Berlin-based British composer Rebecca Saunders in a programme that includes Daniel's Winged for electric guitar (Pétur Jónasson) and string quartet, and Pulsing based on a poem by Zodwa Nyoni.

EPSG:4326

Daniel Kidane Day

Wigmore Hall

### Event Description: Daniel Kidane Day at Wigmore Hall

**Event:** Daniel Kidane Day  
**Date:** Saturday, 30 November 2024  
**Time:** 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM  
**Location:** Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 2BP

**Description:**
Join the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) for an afternoon concert at Wigmore Hall's Daniel Kidane Focus Day. Experience the music of Daniel Kidane, praised by the Financial Times as "quietly impressive" and by The Times as "tautly constructed" and "vibrantly imagined," in one of the world’s great concert halls.

**Programme Highlights:**
- **Cradle Song (2023)**: A setting of the poem by William Blake for tenor Elgan Llŷr Thomas and ensemble, commissioned through BCMG's Sound Investment Scheme.
- **Winged (2019)**: Performed by electric guitarist Pétur Jónasson and string quartet.
- **Pulsing (2016)**: Based on a poem by Zodwa Nyoni.
- **Primitive Blaze (2022)**: Another captivating piece by Daniel Kidane.
- **a visible trace (2006)**: By Berlin-based British composer Rebecca Saunders.

**Performers:**
- **Conductor:** Gabriella Teychenné
- **Tenor:** Elgan Llŷr Thomas
- **Guitar:** Pétur Jónasson
- **Ensemble:** Birmingham Contemporary Music Group

**Ticket Information:**
- **Prices:** £18 (Standard), £16 (Concessions)
- **Booking:** Tickets can be purchased on the Wigmore Hall website.
- **Priority Booking:** Opens at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, 17 April for Friends of Wigmore Hall.
- **General Sale:** Opens at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, 30 April.

**Additional Information:**
Daniel Kidane, who received an honorary doctorate from Coventry University in 2022, is a visiting tutor in composition at both the Royal Northern College of Music and Cambridge University. His works have been widely performed, including at the Last Night of the 2019 Proms. Recent highlights include the world premiere of "Sun Poem," performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and Sir Simon Rattle, receiving 5-star reviews.

**Add to Calendar:** Ensure you don't miss this unique musical experience by adding the event to your calendar.

For more details and to book your tickets, visit the [Wigmore Hall website](#).

### Event Description: Secret Kiss Birmingham

**Event Title:** Secret Kiss Birmingham

**Date and Time:** Wednesday, 27 November 2024, 7:30 PM (Pre-concert talk at 6:30 PM)

**Venue:** CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

**Ticket Prices:**
- General: £15.00
- Student: £7.50
- Under 12s: FREE with a paying adult

**Event Overview:**
Join the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) for an ethereal performance at the CBSO Centre. The concert, titled "Secret Kiss," explores the theme of intimate communication through music, featuring sensitive stories of connection and self-awareness.

**Program Highlights:**
- **Rebecca Saunders:** *Stirrings* (2001, 16')
- **Julian Anderson:** *Mitternachtslied* (2020, 2023, 6')
- **Peter Eötvös:** *Secret Kiss* (2018/9, 15') - BCMG SI Commission (World première of the English language version)
- **Lisa Illean:** *Cantor* (2017, 9')
- **Harrison Birtwistle:** *The Woman and the Hare* (1999, 15')
- **Harrison Birtwistle:** *.when falling asleep* (2022, 7')

**Featured Artists:**
- **Alice Rossi:** Soprano
- **Meg Kubota:** Reciter
- **Geoffrey Paterson:** Conductor

**About the Main Piece:**
"Secret Kiss" is one of Peter Eötvös' final ensemble works, inspired by Alessandro Baricco's novel *Silk*. The piece transports the audience back to the 19th century, where a young Frenchman travels to Japan to learn about silk production. During his visit, he encounters a young girl, and a tender yet binding connection emerges from a single glance.

**Additional Information:**
- **Co-Commissioners:** Gageego Ensemble Gothenburg, Casa da Música Porto, Plural Ensemble Madrid, Okamura & Company, Inc., Musikfabrik Cologne, MÜPA Budapest, Wigmore Hall, and Birmingham Contemporary Music Group as part of BCMG’s Sound Investment Scheme.
- **Composer Background:** Peter Eötvös (1944 - 2024) was a highly influential figure in the contemporary music scene, known for his operas, instrumental solo concertos, and chamber music pieces.

**Booking Information:**
Tickets are available for purchase online. For more details and to book your place, visit the BCMG website.

**Contact:**
For further inquiries, contact BCMG at 0121 616 2616.

**Add to Calendar:**
Ensure you don't miss this captivating performance by adding the event to your calendar.

Join us for an evening of intimate and evocative music that promises to be a memorable experience.

Secret Kiss

### Event Description: Music Maze Free Music Workshops for Ages 7 - 11

**Event Name:** Music Maze Free Music Workshops

**Organizer:** Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG)

**Date and Time:** Sunday, 29th September 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM

**Location:** CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

**Event Overview:**
Music Maze is a series of engaging, creative, and participatory workshops designed for children in School Years 3 to 6 (ages 7-11). These workshops are free and open to all children, regardless of whether they play a musical instrument. The sessions are crafted to be fun and educational, often linked to performances by the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.

**Key Features:**
- **Creative Activities:** Children will engage in various musical activities that stimulate creativity and participation.
- **No Instrument Required:** Participants do not need to have prior musical experience or own an instrument to join.
- **Arts Award Explore:** Children can work towards their Arts Award Explore as part of the Music Maze program.

**Booking Information:**
- **Advance Booking Required:** Due to limited places, advance booking is essential.
- **Suggested Donation:** A suggested donation of £6 per participant is appreciated to help continue the program of free events for young people.
- **Cancellation:** If you have booked a ticket and can no longer attend, please inform the organizers.

**Contact Information:**
For any questions or concerns, please email the organizers at the provided contact email.

**Additional Information:**
- **Age Requirement:** Children aged 7 should be in Year 3, not in Year 2.
- **Booking Link:** [Book a place](#)

Join us for a day of musical exploration and creativity at the CBSO Centre in Birmingham!

Music Maze

CBSO Centre

### BCMG Young Composers Free Music Workshops for 11-14 Year Olds

#### Event Overview
The Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) is excited to announce the "BCMG Young Composers" project, a series of free music workshops designed for budding composers aged 11-14 (School Years 7-9). This initiative offers young musicians the unique opportunity to compose for BCMG musicians under the guidance of composer Kirsty Devaney.

#### Workshop Details
- **Dates and Times:**
  - **Sunday, 29 September 2024:** 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  - **Sunday, 20 October 2024:** 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  - **Sunday, 3 November 2024:** 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  - **Sunday, 1 December 2024:** 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Venue TBC)

- **Location:**
  - CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

#### Participation Requirements
- **Eligibility:** Open to young people aged 11-14 who are in School Years 7-9.
- **Musical Experience:** Experience in reading and writing music notation is helpful but not required.
- **Attendance:** Participants must be able to attend all workshop sessions.

#### Additional Information
- **Cost:** All workshops are free, with an optional donation.
- **Booking:** Advance booking is required as places are limited. If you need to be placed on the waiting list or can no longer attend after booking, please contact the organizers via email.

#### How to Book
- **Book a Place:** Visit the BCMG website to secure your spot.

#### Contact Information
- **Phone:** 0121 616 2616
- **Email:** [Email protected]

Join us for an inspiring journey into the world of composition and create music that will be performed and recorded by professional musicians. Don't miss this chance to develop your composing skills and share your musical ideas!

BCMG Young Composers - Autumn

### Event Description: Lunar Dreams - Birmingham Contemporary Music Group

**Event Title:** Lunar Dreams

**Date and Time:** Sunday, 15th September 2024, 4:30 PM (Pre-concert talk at 3:30 PM)

**Venue:** CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

**Ticket Prices:**
- General: £15
- Student: £7.50
- Under 12s: FREE with a paying adult

**Event Overview:**
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Arnold Schoenberg's birth on September 13, 1874, the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) presents "Lunar Dreams," a concert dedicated to his legacy and the rich musical heritage he left behind. Schoenberg, a pioneer of modernism and the founder of the twelve-tone composition method, revolutionized music and continues to inspire contemporary composers.

**Program:**
- **Arnold Schoenberg (1874 - 1951):** *Pierrot Lunaire*, Op. 21 (1912) - 35 minutes
- **Param Vir (b. 1952):** *A Spread of Dreams* (2009) - 11 minutes
- **Param Vir:** *Twelve Tones for Flute and Piano* (World Premiere, 1970) - 4 minutes
- **Bethan Morgan Williams (b. 1992):** *Voices Go With You* (2021) - 11 minutes
- **Julian Anderson (b. 1967):** *Mitternachtslied* (2020, 2023) - 6 minutes

**Performers:**
- **Yeree Suh:** Soprano
- **Tom Kemp:** Conductor

**Event Highlights:**
- A tribute to Arnold Schoenberg, featuring his most celebrated work, *Pierrot Lunaire*.
- Performances of new works inspired by Schoenberg's twelve-tone technique.
- An exploration of themes such as night, transitions, and freedom in sound.

**Additional Information:**
- The event will start with a pre-concert talk at 3:30 PM, providing insights into the evening's program and the significance of Schoenberg's contributions to modern music.
- The concert will be an ethereal experience, celebrating radical thought and the dreamlike qualities of Schoenberg's music.

**Booking Information:**
Tickets can be purchased online. Please ensure to book early as seats are limited.

**Contact:**
For more information, please contact the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group at 0121 616 2616.

Join us for an evening of celestial music and celebrate the enduring legacy of Arnold Schoenberg with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.

Lunar Dreams

Flourish! commissions new music for Birmingham-based youth and non-professional ensembles and gives them the opportunity to work with composers. Through the Spring and Summer of 2023, we have been working with four composers and ensembles. Each composer has composed a short, engaging, dynamic piece of music that will celebrate something, somewhere or someone that has strong and positive connections with Birmingham.  

Flourish! @ Moseley Misfits Summer Concert

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

### Event Description: Sonata for Broken Fingers - A Chamber Opera

**Event Title:** Sonata for Broken Fingers - A Chamber Opera

**Date and Time:** Sunday, 14th July 2024, 4:30 PM (Pre-Concert Talk at 3:30 PM)

**Venue:** CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

**Ticket Prices:**
- General: £15.00
- Student: £7.50
- Under 12s: FREE with a paying adult

**Event Overview:**
Join the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) for the world premiere of "Sonata for Broken Fingers," a new chamber opera composed by Joe Cutler with a libretto by Max Hoehn. This dark absurdist thriller, inspired by the life of virtuoso pianist Maria Yudina, explores the meaning of music in a terrifying world. Set in the last days of Stalin’s reign, the opera follows a desperate and seemingly hopeless search for a missing pianist triggered by a mysterious phone call from the Kremlin.

**Artists:**
- **Composer:** Joe Cutler
- **Libretto:** Max Hoehn
- **Conductor:** Sian Edwards
- **Cast:** Claire Booth, James Cleverton, Stephen Richardson, Lucy Schaufer, and Christopher Lemmings

**Production Details:**
- **Commissioned by:** Opera21
- **Co-produced by:** Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and Birmingham Record Company
- **Supported by:** Radcliffe Trust, Vaughan Williams Foundation, Swiss Cultural Fund, Hinrichsen Foundation, The Marchus Trust, The Golsoncott Foundation, Maria Bjornson Fund, Oleg Prokofiev Trust, and Francis Routh Trust

**Additional Information:**
This intimate sound experience is influenced by the radio operas of the past and the recent flourishing of audio drama during the pandemic. Stay tuned for a future album release by Birmingham Record Company.

**Booking Information:**
- **Book your tickets** [here](#)
- **Contact:** 0121 616 2616

**Add to Calendar:**
- **Start:** 14th July 2024, 4:30 PM
- **End:** 14th July 2024, 6:00 PM

Don't miss this unique and compelling performance that brings to life a story of music, survival, and intrigue.

Sonata for Broken Fingers - A Chamber Opera

### Creative Composing Lab: Free Music Workshops for School Years 10 - 13

**Event Overview:**
The Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) is excited to present the Creative Composing Lab, a unique opportunity for young music enthusiasts in School Years 10 - 13 (ages 14-18). This workshop is designed to inspire and guide budding composers under the expert mentorship of David Horne from the Royal Northern College of Music, alongside professional BCMG musicians.

**Event Details:**
- **Date:** Sunday, 30 June 2024
- **Time:** 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- **Location:** CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

**Workshop Highlights:**
- **Guidance from Experts:** Participants will receive personalized instruction from renowned composer David Horne and experienced BCMG musicians.
- **Creative Composing:** Ideal for those passionate about creating music or seeking inspiration for their GCSE, BTEC, or A-level compositions.
- **Performance Opportunity:** At the end of the workshop, all compositions created by participants will be performed, video recorded, and released as a digital concert.

**Requirements:**
- **Music Notation Skills:** Participants should have some knowledge of music notation.
- **In-Person Attendance:** The workshop requires physical attendance as remote participation via Zoom is not supported.
- **Age and School Year:** Participants must be aged 14-18 and in School Years 10 - 13.

**Registration:**
- **Cost:** Free, but advance booking is required.
- **Suggested Donation:** A donation of £12 per participant is suggested to help sustain the workshop program.

**Additional Information:**
- **Booking:** Places are limited and must be reserved in advance.
- **Contact:** For more information or to book a place, visit the BCMG website or contact the organization directly.

Join us for a day of creativity and musical exploration at the Creative Composing Lab, where young composers can develop their skills and share their unique musical voices.

Creative Composing Lab

### Event Description: Noh Reimagined - New Music by Birmingham Contemporary Music Group

**Date and Time:**  
Sunday, 23 June 2024  
Pre-concert talk: 3:30 PM  
Concert: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

**Location:**  
CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

**Ticket Prices:**  
- General: £15.00  
- Student: £7.50  
- Under 12s: FREE with a paying adult

**Event Overview:**
Join the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) for an enchanting afternoon as they present "Noh Reimagined," a captivating concert that merges ancient Japanese Noh Theatre traditions with contemporary music. This event marks the second half of BCMG's exploration into the world of Noh Theatre, featuring world premieres of new compositions by Ben Nobuto and Hollie Harding.

**Program Highlights:**
- **Hollie Harding (b. 1986) - NOH TRIPTYCH 2024**  
  *World Premiere, Sound Investment Commission*
  
- **Ben Nobuto (b. 1996) - interbeing 2024**  
  *World Premiere, Sound Investment Commission*
  
- **Toshio Hosokawa (b. 1955) - Slow Dance 1996**
  
- **Misato Mochizuki (b. 1969) - Voilages 2000**

**About Noh Theatre:**
Noh is a traditional Japanese theatre form that originated in the 14th and 15th centuries, developed by the renowned performer-playwrights Kannami and Zeami. Known for its stylized movement, masks, exquisite costumes, and symbolic staging, Noh creates a unique and powerful theatrical experience. This concert is the culmination of a special 2-year cultural exchange between traditional Noh artists and contemporary composers, facilitated by MU:Arts.

**Experience:**
- New music infused with ancient traditions and Japanese culture.
- Daring new works performed by world-class musicians of BCMG.
- A unique blend of old stories told in innovative ways.

**Additional Information:**
- **Pre-concert Talk:** Gain deeper insights into the music and the cultural exchange that inspired these new works, starting at 3:30 PM.

**Booking Information:**
Secure your tickets now to be part of this mesmerizing journey into the realm of Noh Theatre. Visit the BCMG website to book your place.

**Contact:**
For more information, call 0121 616 2616 or visit the CBSO Centre's website.

Don't miss this extraordinary event that bridges the gap between ancient traditions and contemporary music, offering a truly unique cultural experience.

Noh Reimagined New Music

Ondrej Adamek, who we have had the pleasure of working with through many innovative projects, has created a new piece of music filled with mysticism, poetry, and otherworldly sounds.

Let me tell you a story

Want to bring a moment of calm to your Sunday lunchtime? This will be an hour-long, free event for all ages, inspired by nature. Grab a drink from one of Brindleyplace's local cafes, and feel free to drop in and out as you please!

Cherry Blossom Concert 2024

Oozells Square

### BCMG NEXT Recital: Timeless and Moving

**Date and Time:**  
Friday, 8 March 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

**Location:**  
CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

**Event Description:**  
Join the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) for an evocative evening of contemporary music at the CBSO Centre. The BCMG NEXT Recital will feature performances by the NEXT cohort, showcasing Morton Feldman's 'timeless' studies alongside recent international pieces. This recital promises to be a moving experience, highlighting the intricate and delicate nature of contemporary compositions.

**Programme Highlights:**
- **Dobromila Jaskot:** *Spiral of Light* for small ensemble, 8'
- **Morton Feldman:** 
  - *Durations I* for flute, violin, cello, and piano, 8'30''
  - *Durations II* for cello and piano, 5'
  - *Durations IV* for vibraphone, violin, and cello, 5'
  - *Four Instruments* for tubular bells, piano, violin, and cello, 8'
- **Tristan Murail:** *Feuilles à travers les cloches* for flute, violin, cello, and piano, 6'
- **Isabel Mundry:** *Stück* for flute and percussion, 7'

**Ticket Information:**  
The event is free to attend, but booking is required. Please note that booking for this event has now closed.

**Additional Information:**  
For more details and to view the location on the map, visit the CBSO Centre's website. Add this event to your calendar to ensure you don't miss this unique musical experience.

**Contact:**  
For any inquiries, please contact BCMG at 0121 616 2616.

Experience the timeless and moving compositions performed by the talented musicians of BCMG's NEXT cohort in an evening that promises to be both reflective and inspiring.

BCMG NEXT Recital timeless moving

BCMG's wind trio perform a select programme of music fitting for such a venue, from Coventry's own Brian Ferneyhough, alongside pieces from Hans Abrahamsen, Sir Harrison Birtwistle and BCMG oboist Melinda Maxwell.

Light, Air, Space

Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens

Coventry Cathedral

Join BCMG NEXT for a performance to bring in the new year, featuring works by Benjamin Graves, Rebecca Saunders, Aileen Sweeney, Bethan Morgan Williams, and more. This concert is available to CBSO Sounds New ticket holders and takes place directly afterward, you may even recognise some faces who've worked with BCMG before!

BCMG Next CBSO Sounds New

Symphony Hall in Birmingham

### Event Description: "recreation" by Birmingham Contemporary Music Group

**Event Title:** recreation

**Date and Time:** Sunday, 28th January 2024, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

**Location:** CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

**Ticket Prices:** 
- General: £15
- Student: £7.50

**Event Overview:**
Join the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) for an extraordinary, immersive experience titled "recreation." This innovative, cross-genre production is led by the visionary multi-disciplinary artist Haroon Mirza, in collaboration with composer Lucy Armstrong and soprano Juliet Fraser. The event promises to be a sensory feast, blending visual art, choreography, music, and perfumery.

**Event Highlights:**
- **Immersive Experience:** Attendees are invited to move around the space, experiencing the performance from various angles, engaging with the sounds, shapes, and smells.
- **Multi-Disciplinary Art:** The event features sculptures that serve as sets, instruments, and lighting designs. Dancers and instrumentalists merge, creating a seamless artistic experience.
- **Sensory Elements:** The performance includes light, scent, smoke rings, and live musicians, offering a full-body sensory experience far removed from traditional concert norms.
- **Innovative Technology:** Everyday low-end technology, such as light bulbs and used turntables, are reworked into fascinating sculptures. Haroon Mirza's "Dream Machine" uses simple LED light-tubes to create new sounds and visual effects.
- **Collaborative Creation:** The work is developed collectively by artists working without a director or conductor, following their own paths in a rhizomatic manner.

**Special Notes:**
- **Warning:** This performance includes considerable periods of flashing lights and images, which may not be suitable for those with photosensitive epilepsy and other related conditions.

**Artists Involved:**
- **Haroon Mirza:** Known for his installations that explore the interplay between sound, light waves, and electric current.
- **Lucy Armstrong:** A composer with a theatrical approach, known for her eclectic and gestural sound worlds.
- **Juliet Fraser:** A soprano specializing in contemporary classical music, recognized for her interpretation of new music and her extensive discography.

**Booking Information:**
- **Status:** Booking for this event has now closed.

**Additional Information:**
For more details about the event and other upcoming performances, visit the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group's website or contact their office at 0121 616 2616.

Discover a new dimension of concert hall performance with "recreation" and experience the groundbreaking work of Haroon Mirza, Lucy Armstrong, and Juliet Fraser.

re_creation

Each term we will recruit a cohort of young people to participate in the series of weekend workshops. In these workshops, you will have the opportunity to compose for BCMG musician(s) and explore a range of composing techniques. The project will culminate in a concert of music created at CBSO Centre which will be filmed and recorded. Experience in reading and writing music notation is helpful but not required.

BCMG Young Composers - Spring

Creative Composing Lab is an exciting opportunity for young people in School Years 10 - 13 (ages 14*-18) to compose guided by the expert knowledge of composer David Horne from Royal Northern College of Music and BCMG musicians.

Creative Composing Lab 2023

This October join BCMG at the acoustically renowned St Georges Hall, where they will perform composer Daniel Kidane's new Sound Investment piece for Thando Mjandana, the 2022 winner of the Voice Of Black Opera's Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Award, under the baton of Vimbayi Kaziboni.

Songs at Day, Songs at Night Bristol

St Georges Hall, Bristol

The world première of Kidane's new Sound Investment sits alongside Sir Harrison Birtwistle's enigmatic, final ensemble work, …when falling asleep, Hannah Kendall's Between Carnival and Lent and the UK première of Julian Anderson's Mitternachtslied in a stirring programme exploring themes of transience and the spaces in between.

Songs at Day, Songs at Night Brum

University of Birmingham

For this DIY performance of one of the most iconic pieces of the 20th century, to celebrate György Ligeti’s centenary, BCMG are inviting up to 100 music lovers to participate. Want to be involved?

Ligeti 100 Volunteer Callout

Birmingham Contemporary Music Group

In another electrifying collaboration, BCMG and the ground-breaking BEAST of University of Birmingham join forces once again to push the boundaries of sonic artistry in celebration of György Ligeti’s centenary. Experience the magic of Ligeti's compositions, enhanced by the cutting-edge technology of BEAST, the artistry of Rob Hao, and 100 volunteer performers!

Ligeti 100

The Exchange

As part of a 2-year cultural exchange with the creators of Noh Reimagined and composers Hollie Harding and Ben Nabuto, we are thrilled to present an interactive workshop in Noh Theatre, proudly in collaboration with Celebrated Noh Artist Sano Noboru and Mu:Arts.

Noh Welcome Workshop

Since its foundation in 2002, the Tongyeong International Music Festival has established itself as one of the most important musical events in Asia. The festival is dedicated to the German-Korean composer Isang Yun, who was born in Tongyeong but spent the latter part of his life in Berlin, Germany.

BCMG @ Tongyeong International Music Festival

### BCMG Young Composers Free Music Workshops for 11-14 Year Olds

#### Event Overview
The Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) is excited to present the "Young Composers" project, a series of free music workshops designed for budding composers aged 11-14 (School Years 7-9). This initiative offers young musicians the unique opportunity to compose music for BCMG musicians under the guidance of composer Kirsty Devaney.

#### Workshop Details
- **Dates and Times:**
  - **Sunday, 17th September 2023:** 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  - **Sunday, 22nd October 2023:** 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  - **Sunday, 19th November 2023:** 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  - **Sunday, 3rd December 2023:** 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

- **Location:**
  - CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

#### Workshop Experience
Participants will engage in a series of weekend workshops where they will:
- Compose music for BCMG musicians.
- Explore a variety of composing techniques.
- Work towards a final concert performance at the CBSO Centre, which will be filmed and recorded.

#### Additional Information
- **Cost:** All workshops are free, with an optional donation.
- **Booking:** Advance booking is required as places are limited. 
- **Requirements:** Experience in reading and writing music notation is helpful but not mandatory. Participants must be able to attend all workshop sessions.

#### Contact Information
For those interested in joining the waiting list or for any inquiries, please email the provided contact (email protected).

#### Note
Booking for this event has now closed. 

Join BCMG for an enriching musical journey and unleash your composing potential!

Music Maze is a series of fun, creative, participatory workshops for children in School Years 3 - 6 (ages 7*-11). Most workshops are linked to performances by BCMG. Children do not need to play a musical instrument to take part. Children can also work towards their Arts Award Explore as part of Music Maze. Read more about Arts Award.

Flourish! @ Services for Education Youth Proms 2023

Birmingham Flute Choir perform on a full complement of flutes, from piccolo to contrabass. They’ll be sharing a range of repertoire they have been working on this term in their summer concert, including the premiere of a composition by Rūta Vitkauskaitė, commissioned as part of Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s Flourish! project. The piece is titled ‘Rotunda’, suggested by members of the Flute Choir, to pin down the rotating, round form of the piece, as if imagining a sound going round and round in a circular dome and also a nod to one of Birmingham’s monuments!  

Flourish! @ Music for a Summer Afternoon with Birmingham Flute Choir

Bournville Quaker Meeting House 

Flourish! commissions new music for Birmingham-based youth and non-professional ensembles and gives them the opportunity to work with composers. Through the Spring and Summer of 2023, we have been working with four composers and ensembles. Each composer has composed a short, engaging, dynamic piece of music that will celebrate something, somewhere, or someone that has strong and positive connections with Birmingham.  

Flourish! @ Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival with the Notebenders

Lullaby – Sonic Cradle has traveled around the world and is bespoke to every venue and festival that have commissioned Manasamitra to deliver the project. Lullaby is the brainchild of Artistic Director Supriya Nagarajan who lends her voice and works closely with sound artist Duncan Chapman to capture the spirit of each commission.

Lullaby Family Concert

On Sunday 11th June, our 22-23 NEXTies will be performing their last concert with us! Join in the celebration for only a fiver, and hear the works of composers Gérard Grisey and Aureliano Cattaneo, with a piece by one of our very own NEXTIES, Rob Hao. 

BCMG NEXT 22-23 Final Concert

### Event Description: T R E E Concert

**Event:** T R E E Concert featuring Christian Mason & Helmut Lachenmann  
**Date:** Friday, 12th May 2023  
**Time:** 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM  
**Location:** Birmingham Town Hall, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ

**Overview:**
Join the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) for the long-awaited T R E E Concert, an enchanting musical exploration of the connections between nature and humankind. This event will feature the world premiere of Christian Mason’s new Sound Investment commission, "The Singing Tree," with text by Paul Griffiths, and the textural "Concertini" for ensemble by Helmut Lachenmann.

**Highlights:**
- **World Premiere:** "The Singing Tree" by Christian Mason, an environmental cantata with a remarkable new text by Paul Griffiths. This piece features five vocal soloists, a children's choir, and a large contemporary music ensemble of 25 players. It reflects on the extended timescale of trees and our ongoing exploitation of them.
- **Concertini:** A textural piece for ensemble by Helmut Lachenmann, known for its intricate and dramatic composition.

**Special Features:**
- **Composer Chat:** Engage in a pre-concert chat with Christian Mason at 6:00 PM, included with your concert ticket. Gain new perspectives on his work and insights into the creative process.
- **Eco-Friendly Treats:** Enjoy eco-friendly treats and learn about the importance of preserving our green spaces.

**Additional Information:**
- **Tickets:** Entry to the BCMG NEXT TREE Concert & Composer Chat is included with your concert ticket.
- **Support:** This commission was generously funded by the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation, PRS Foundation, RVW Trust, and The Radcliffe Trust.

**Note:** Unfortunately, due to ill health, Helmut Lachenmann will not be joining us for the concert or composer chat.

**Join Us:**
Celebrate the beauty and importance of nature through music and support the T R E E project, which includes multiple activities and workshops for young musicians, extensive digital resources, artwork, real-life planted trees, and a lifelong connection with Birmingham Trees For Life.

**Add to Calendar:**  
- **Start:** 12th May 2023 at 7:00 PM  
- **End:** 12th May 2023 at 8:30 PM

For more information and to read about the T R E E project, visit the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group's website.

T R E E Concert

Birmingham Town Hall

Hear pieces by Helmut Lachenmann, and Christian Mason performed by our BCMG NEXT early-career musicians. Support the generation of contemporary musicians as a starter to our T R E E Concert. Featuring an exclusive composer chat with Christian Mason. Unfortunately, due to ill health, Helmut Lachenmann will not be joining us for the concert or composer chat. 

BCMG NEXT & Composer Chat - TREE

### Event Description: Blossoming with BCMG NEXT

**Event Title:** Blossoming with BCMG NEXT

**Date and Time:** Saturday, 29th April 2023, 8:45 PM - 9:45 PM

**Location:** CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

**Event Overview:**
Join us for an enchanting evening as the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) presents "Blossoming with BCMG NEXT." This event showcases the talents of early-career musicians from the BCMG NEXT programme, a unique training initiative in collaboration with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. These emerging artists will perform a selection of contemporary pieces by renowned composers such as Dai Fujikura, Toshio Hosokawa, and Lisa Illean.

**Programme Highlights:**
- Performances by early-career musicians from the BCMG NEXT programme.
- Contemporary works by Dai Fujikura, Toshio Hosokawa, Lisa Illean, and more.

**About BCMG NEXT:**
BCMG NEXT is an annual training programme designed for music students and professional musicians aspiring to excel in contemporary music performance. The programme offers participants the opportunity to perform alongside seasoned BCMG musicians throughout the year, fostering the next generation of musical talent.

**Additional Information:**
- **Tickets:** Booking for this event has now closed.
- **More About BCMG NEXT:** For further details, visit [BCMG NEXT](http://www.bcmg.org.uk/next).

**Venue Details:**
- **Address:** CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF
- **Map:** [View Map](#)

**Add to Calendar:** Ensure you don't miss this captivating performance by adding it to your calendar.

Come and support the future stars of contemporary music in this inspiring and melodious event.

Blossoming with BCMG NEXT

### Blossoming in Birmingham: A Musical Celebration of Nature

**Event:** Blossoming in Birmingham  
**Presented by:** Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG)  
**Date:** Saturday, 29th April 2023  
**Time:** 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM  
**Venue:** CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

**Description:**
Join us for an enchanting evening as we welcome Kazuki Yamada to his new role as Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). In line with BCMG's "Bloom" theme, this concert will feature immersive and dramatic music inspired by the natural world, with a special focus on Japanese composers.

**Programme:**
- **Lisa Illean (1983)**: *Januaries* (2017) - 11 minutes
- **Dai Fujikura (1977)**: *Perpetual Spring* (2017) - 10 minutes
- **György Ligeti (1923-2006)**: *String Quartet No. 2* (1968) - 20 minutes
- **Interval**
- **Toshio Hosokawa (1955)**: *Blossoming* (2007) - 15 minutes
- **Dai Fujikura (1977)**: *Secret Forest* (2008) - 17 minutes

**Special Feature:**
After the main concert, stay for a performance by our BCMG NEXT early-career musicians, showcasing the next generation of musical talent.

**Additional Information:**
- **Tickets:** Booking for this event has now closed.
- **Location:** CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF. [View Map](#)
- **Add to Calendar:** Ensure you don't miss this event by adding it to your calendar.

**Note:**
For more insights into the music featured in this concert, read our blog on our Bristol Concert.

Experience the beauty of nature through music and celebrate the new beginnings with Kazuki Yamada and the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.

Blossoming in Birmingham

Birmingham was once described as ‘a town ringed by blossom’ as it was surrounded by gardens with blossoming trees. This year, National Trust have planted more than 500 blossoming trees around the city’s iconic Number 11 circular bus route to recreate a new, symbolic ring of blossom around the city. To celebrate the newly planted trees and blossom season, they are hosting a Blossom Together Schools’ Week (24-28 April) during which they are encouraging Birmingham schools and teachers to engage their students with blossom.

Music Maze In Bloom

### Cherry Blossom Concert by Birmingham Contemporary Music Group

**Date and Time:**  
Sunday, 2nd April 2023  
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

**Location:**  
Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2JB

**Event Description:**  
Join the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) for the return of the Cherry Blossom Concert, in collaboration with Ikon Gallery. This hour-long, free, and sensory event is designed to bring a moment of calm to your Sunday lunchtime. Suitable for all ages, the concert invites you to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere with beautiful music.

Feel free to grab a coffee from one of Brindleyplace's local cafes and drop in and out as you please. Don't forget to check out the goody bags available at the event.

**Program Highlights:**
- **Charlotte Bray**
  - *Beyond* (2013, 4’)
  - *In Black Light* (2018, 8’)
- **Hollie Harding**
  - *motion* (2018, 6’)
- **Dai Fujikura**
  - *Sakana* (2007, 10’)
  - *Perpetual Spring* (2017, 10’)
  - *Rubicon* (2006, 1’)
- **György Ligeti**
  - *String Quartet No. 2* (1968, 20’)

**Additional Information:**  
- **Tickets:** Booking for this event has now closed.
- **Photography:** Anthony Crutch at Cherry Blossom Concert 2022

For more details and to read about last year's event, visit [BCMG's blog](www.bcmg.org.uk/cherry-blossom-at-last).

**Contact Information:**  
For any inquiries, please contact BCMG at 01216162616.

Cherry Blossom Concert

### Blossoming in Bristol: A Musical Journey with Birmingham Contemporary Music Group

**Date and Time:**  
Saturday, 18th February 2023  
Start: 3:00 PM  
End: 4:15 PM  

**Location:**  
Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol  
BS1 4QA

**Event Description:**  
Join the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) for an enchanting afternoon of music at the Arnolfini Gallery in Bristol. This concert, titled "Blossoming in Bristol," features a captivating program of string and clarinet compositions inspired by nature, set against the backdrop of stunning art.

**Program Highlights:**

- **Dai Fujikura (1977)**
  - *Sakana* (2007) - 10 minutes
  - *Rubicon* (2006) - 1 minute
  - *Perpetual Spring* (2017) - 10 minutes

- **Charlotte Bray (1982)**
  - *In Black Light* (2018) - 8 minutes
  - *Beyond* (2013) - 4 minutes

- **Toshio Hosokawa (1955)**
  - *Blossoming* (2007) - 15 minutes

- **Hollie Harding**
  - *Motion* (2018) - 6 minutes

- **György Ligeti (1923-2006)**
  - *String Quartet No.2* (1968) - 20 minutes

**Additional Information:**
- The event will include an interval.
- Booking for this event has now closed.

**Venue Details:**
Arnolfini Gallery is located in the heart of Bristol, offering a perfect setting for this nature-inspired musical experience. For directions, please view the map linked in the event details.

**Add to Calendar:**
Ensure you don't miss this unique musical event by adding it to your calendar.

For more information on what to expect, you can read our blog. Join us for an afternoon where music and art beautifully intertwine, creating an unforgettable experience.

Birmingham Contemporary Music Group

Nov 30, 2024

Daniel Kidane Day

Nov 30, 2024

Daniel Kidane Day

Articles & News

Birmingham Contemporary Music Group