New music is not always easy listening. It can be exciting, unsettling and yes, sometimes difficult. You don’t have to like it all. The best new music will make you reassess what you thought you knew about sound, and like all great art, that’s why it’s important. It challenges us not to settle for what we already know but to embrace ambiguity, be curious and discover new possibilities for what music can mean to us individually. Come to the London Sinfonietta’s events this season and be enthralled by some of the great music of our time.
Take Part in concerts for primary and secondary schools, and our annual London Sinfonietta Academy which trains the next generation of performers. Then there are open calls for the public (that’s you!) to join us and make new music. New Music commissioned by the London Sinfonietta includes a work by Sir Harrison Birtwistle to mark his 80th birthday and the special relationship he has had with us. Plus a range of new concert works and songs that are timed to coincide with the General Election of 2015 as messages to the new government. Events range from an inventive set of concerts and staged works, to our expanding series of Blue Touch Paper performances where we light the fuse of new work, with different art forms in alternative spaces.
NEW MUSIC IS NOT ALWAYS EASY LISTENING 2014/15 EVENTS ROMITELLI: AN INDEX OF METALS Wednesday 8 October, Queen Elizabeth Hall
BIRTWISTLE: A CELEBRATION Friday 5 December, Queen Elizabeth Hall
ALTERNATIVE VISIONS Wednesday 10 December, BFI Southbank
RILEY: IN C Saturday 10 January, Kings Place
DILLON: STABAT MATER DOLOROSA Wednesday 21 January, Queen Elizabeth Hall
REICH: IN PERSON Saturday 14 February, Kings Place
SPECTRUMS OF SOUND: PART 1 Friday 27 February, Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall*
SPECTRUMS OF SOUND: PART 2 Saturday 28 March, Queen Elizabeth Hall*
CHRISTIAN MARCLAY EXHIBITION Sunday 25 January - Sunday 12 April, White Cube Gallery*
HAAS: ATTHIS
BOOKING INFORMATION Southbank Centre 0844 847 9940 southbankcentre.co.uk No transaction fees for Southbank Centre Members and Supporters, or in-person bookings. For online bookings: £1.75. For phone bookings: £2.75. £5 student tickets and £6.50 under-26 tickets are available for all our Southbank Centre events. Kings Place 020 7520 1490 kingsplace.co.uk Royal Opera House 020 7304 4000 roh.org.uk BFI Southbank 020 7928 3232 bfi.org.uk Transaction fee for non-member bookings: £1 per ticket. Aldeburgh 01728 687110 tickets.aldeburgh.co.uk
Wednesday 22, Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April, Linbury Studio Theatre at Royal Opera House*
Central Saint Martins Tickets sold via Eventbrite on the London Sinfonietta website
NOTES TO A NEW GOVERNMENT
CONTACT US
Saturday 9 May, Queen Elizabeth Hall*
London Sinfonietta Kings Place, 90 York Way London, N1 9AG
BIRTWISTLE: THE CORRIDOR/THE CURE Friday 12, Sunday 14 and Monday 15 June, Snape Maltings* Thursday 18, Saturday 20, Monday 22, Wednesday 24, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June, The Linbury Studio Theatre at Royal Opera House*
MUSICIANS OF TOMORROW
(UN)EASY LISTENING?
info@londonsinfonietta.org.uk T 020 7239 9340 F 020 7239 9369 Sinfonietta Productions Ltd Registered in England No. 926551 Registered Charity No. 255095
Sunday 12 July, Platform Theatre at Central Saint Martins*
All information was correct at time of going to press. The London Sinfonietta reserves the right to make changes where necessary.
*On sale date to be announced
Design harrison-agency.com
AUTUMN 2014 AT SOUTHBANK CENTRE @Ldn_Sinfonietta facebook.com/londonsinfonietta londonsinfonietta.wordpress.com londonsinfonietta.org.uk
New music is not always easy listening. It can be exciting, unsettling and yes, sometimes difficult. You don’t have to like it all. The best new music will make you reassess what you thought you knew about sound, and like all great art, that’s why it’s important. It challenges us not to settle for what we already know but to embrace ambiguity, be curious and discover new possibilities for what music can mean to us individually. Come to the London Sinfonietta’s events this season and be enthralled by some of the great music of our time.
Take Part in concerts for primary and secondary schools, and our annual London Sinfonietta Academy which trains the next generation of performers. Then there are open calls for the public (that’s you!) to join us and make new music. New Music commissioned by the London Sinfonietta includes a work by Sir Harrison Birtwistle to mark his 80th birthday and the special relationship he has had with us. Plus a range of new concert works and songs that are timed to coincide with the General Election of 2015 as messages to the new government. Events range from an inventive set of concerts and staged works, to our expanding series of Blue Touch Paper performances where we light the fuse of new work, with different art forms in alternative spaces.
NEW MUSIC IS NOT ALWAYS EASY LISTENING 2014/15 EVENTS ROMITELLI: AN INDEX OF METALS Wednesday 8 October, Queen Elizabeth Hall
BIRTWISTLE: A CELEBRATION Friday 5 December, Queen Elizabeth Hall
ALTERNATIVE VISIONS Wednesday 10 December, BFI Southbank
BOOKING INFORMATION Southbank Centre 0844 847 9940 southbankcentre.co.uk No transaction fees for Southbank Centre Members and Supporters, or in-person bookings. For online bookings: £1.75. For phone bookings: £2.75.
Kings Place 020 7520 1490 kingsplace.co.uk
DILLON: STABAT MATER DOLOROSA
£5 student tickets and £6.50 under-26 tickets are available for all our Southbank Centre events.
RILEY: IN C Saturday 10 January, Kings Place Wednesday 21 January, Queen Elizabeth Hall
REICH: IN PERSON Saturday 14 February, Kings Place
SPECTRUMS OF SOUND: PART 1 Friday 27 February, Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall*
SPECTRUMS OF SOUND: PART 2 Saturday 28 March, Queen Elizabeth Hall*
CHRISTIAN MARCLAY EXHIBITION
Royal Opera House 020 7304 4000 roh.org.uk BFI Southbank 020 7928 3232 bfi.org.uk Transaction fee for non-member bookings: £1 per ticket.
CONTACT US
NOTES TO A NEW GOVERNMENT
Central Saint Martins Tickets sold via Eventbrite on the London Sinfonietta website
Wednesday 22, Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April, Linbury Studio Theatre at Royal Opera House*
Aldeburgh 01728 687110 tickets.aldeburgh.co.uk
Sunday 25 January - Sunday 12 April, White Cube Gallery*
HAAS: ATTHIS
Saturday 9 May, Queen Elizabeth Hall*
BIRTWISTLE: THE CORRIDOR/THE CURE Friday 12, Sunday 14 and Monday 15 June, Snape Maltings* Thursday 18, Saturday 20, Monday 22, Wednesday 24, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June, The Linbury Studio Theatre at Royal Opera House*
MUSICIANS OF TOMORROW
(UN)EASY LISTENING?
London Sinfonietta Kings Place, 90 York Way London, N1 9AG info@londonsinfonietta.org.uk T 020 7239 9340 F 020 7239 9369 Sinfonietta Productions Ltd Registered in England No. 926551 Registered Charity No. 255095
Design harrison-agency.com
*On sale date to be announced
All information was correct at time of going to press. The London Sinfonietta reserves the right to make changes where necessary.
Sunday 12 July, Platform Theatre at Central Saint Martins*
AUTUMN 2014 AT SOUTHBANK CENTRE @Ldn_Sinfonietta facebook.com/londonsinfonietta londonsinfonietta.wordpress.com londonsinfonietta.org.uk
New music is not always easy listening. It can be exciting, unsettling and yes, sometimes difficult. You don’t have to like it all. The best new music will make you reassess what you thought you knew about sound, and like all great art, that’s why it’s important. It challenges us not to settle for what we already know but to embrace ambiguity, be curious and discover new possibilities for what music can mean to us individually. Come to the London Sinfonietta’s events this season and be enthralled by some of the great music of our time.
Take Part in concerts for primary and secondary schools, and our annual London Sinfonietta Academy which trains the next generation of performers. Then there are open calls for the public (that’s you!) to join us and make new music. New Music commissioned by the London Sinfonietta includes a work by Sir Harrison Birtwistle to mark his 80th birthday and the special relationship he has had with us. Plus a range of new concert works and songs that are timed to coincide with the General Election of 2015 as messages to the new government. Events range from an inventive set of concerts and staged works, to our expanding series of Blue Touch Paper performances where we light the fuse of new work, with different art forms in alternative spaces.
NEW MUSIC IS NOT ALWAYS EASY LISTENING 2014/15 EVENTS ROMITELLI: AN INDEX OF METALS Wednesday 8 October, Queen Elizabeth Hall
BIRTWISTLE: A CELEBRATION Friday 5 December, Queen Elizabeth Hall
ALTERNATIVE VISIONS Wednesday 10 December, BFI Southbank
BOOKING INFORMATION Southbank Centre 0844 847 9940 southbankcentre.co.uk No transaction fees for Southbank Centre Members and Supporters, or in-person bookings. For online bookings: £1.75. For phone bookings: £2.75.
Kings Place 020 7520 1490 kingsplace.co.uk
DILLON: STABAT MATER DOLOROSA
£5 student tickets and £6.50 under-26 tickets are available for all our Southbank Centre events.
RILEY: IN C Saturday 10 January, Kings Place Wednesday 21 January, Queen Elizabeth Hall
REICH: IN PERSON Saturday 14 February, Kings Place
SPECTRUMS OF SOUND: PART 1 Friday 27 February, Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall*
SPECTRUMS OF SOUND: PART 2 Saturday 28 March, Queen Elizabeth Hall*
CHRISTIAN MARCLAY EXHIBITION
Royal Opera House 020 7304 4000 roh.org.uk BFI Southbank 020 7928 3232 bfi.org.uk Transaction fee for non-member bookings: £1 per ticket.
CONTACT US
NOTES TO A NEW GOVERNMENT
Central Saint Martins Tickets sold via Eventbrite on the London Sinfonietta website
Wednesday 22, Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April, Linbury Studio Theatre at Royal Opera House*
Aldeburgh 01728 687110 tickets.aldeburgh.co.uk
Sunday 25 January - Sunday 12 April, White Cube Gallery*
HAAS: ATTHIS
Saturday 9 May, Queen Elizabeth Hall*
BIRTWISTLE: THE CORRIDOR/THE CURE Friday 12, Sunday 14 and Monday 15 June, Snape Maltings* Thursday 18, Saturday 20, Monday 22, Wednesday 24, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June, The Linbury Studio Theatre at Royal Opera House*
MUSICIANS OF TOMORROW
(UN)EASY LISTENING?
London Sinfonietta Kings Place, 90 York Way London, N1 9AG info@londonsinfonietta.org.uk T 020 7239 9340 F 020 7239 9369 Sinfonietta Productions Ltd Registered in England No. 926551 Registered Charity No. 255095
Design harrison-agency.com
*On sale date to be announced
All information was correct at time of going to press. The London Sinfonietta reserves the right to make changes where necessary.
Sunday 12 July, Platform Theatre at Central Saint Martins*
AUTUMN 2014 AT SOUTHBANK CENTRE @Ldn_Sinfonietta facebook.com/londonsinfonietta londonsinfonietta.wordpress.com londonsinfonietta.org.uk
BIRTWISTLE: A CELEBRATION
ROMITELLI: AN INDEX OF METALS A TRANCE OF LIGHT AND SOUND In the final months before his death at the age of just 41, Romitelli fulfilled a lifetime ambition: to create ‘an experience of total perception, plunging the spectator into a magma of sounds, shapes and colours’. Like the light shows of the 1960s or today’s rave-culture, Romitelli’s work thrusts you into a psychedelic new landscape where your every sense is heightened. Combining an ensemble and singer with electronic distortion, three video screens, a light show and surround sound, this is opera as you’ve never known it. #indexofmetals
Wednesday 8 October 2014 at 8pm Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre Tickets £15 (+ concessions) Unreserved seating Transaction fees apply (see back cover)
Friday 5 December 2014 at 7.30pm Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre Tickets premium seats £28*, £20, £15, £8 (+ concessions) Transaction fees apply (see back cover)
A LIFETIME ON THE EDGE
André de Ridder conductor Hila Plitmann mezzo soprano Paolo Pachini video art Leonardo Romoli video art Tony Simpson lighting Sound Intermedia sound projection
No other composer has played such an integral role in the London Sinfonietta’s growth as Sir Harrison Birtwistle, whose music has always remained defiantly uncategorisable. Once considered the bad boy of British music, Birtwistle’s extraordinary output has transformed him into a contemporary icon. Now in his 80th year, this is a chance to get under the skin of one of music’s most challenging minds as we relive his 21st century commissions and give the world premiere of a partner piece to Virelai. Join us for the celebration.
Images: stills from An Index of Metals video art. © Paolo Pachini & Leonardo Romoli
#birtwistlebirthday
Fausto Romitelli An Index of Metals (London premiere)
*Premium tickets include a new recording of the London Sinfonietta performing Birtwistle, due to be released by NMC Recordings in spring 2015. Not only will you get the best seats in the house, but also save £5 on the full price CD and receive it in the post the moment it’s released. Follow the instructions on your ticket stub to claim your copy.
Harrison Birtwistle New Work (world premiere of London Sinfonietta commission); Virelai; In Broken Images*^; Theseus Game^ Royal Academy of Music Manson Ensemble* David Atherton conductor Geoffrey Paterson conductor^ Part of Southbank Centre’s festival In Broken Images: The Music of Sir Harrison Birtwistle. Image: a silk shawl created by Halcyon Days featuring a portrait of Sir Harrison Birtwistle by his son, artist Adam Birtwistle.
CURIOUS? Students: be inquisitive and discover new music for £5 Join the London Sinfonietta’s Curious? student scheme and experience new music with open ears. You’ll get bargain £5 tickets to our Southbank Centre events, access to exclusive post-concert bars and the chance to meet composers throughout the season. Plus we’ll keep you up to date in our Curious? e-newsletter. Sign up for free at londonsinfonietta.org.uk/curious? P.S. If you’re not at university there are also £6.50 under-26 tickets available to all our Southbank Centre events.
NEW MUSIC
ALTERNATIVE VISIONS Haas’ in vain and the @Ldn_Sinfonietta: like nothing I’ve heard before. Jumped out of my skin when that gong was struck in the dark. @ey0k1
Tell us in a tweet: @Ldn_Sinfonietta Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/londonsinfonietta Comment on our blog: londonsinfonietta.wordpress.com
A BLUE TOUCH PAPER EVENT
Follow Jonathan Morton Principal First Violin @jon_morton Andrew Burke Chief Executive @ab2012 James Joslin Administrative Assistant @james_joslin Wednesday 10 December 2014 at 6.30pm NFT3, BFI Southbank Tickets £10.45 (+ concessions) On sale Tuesday 4 November 2014
The BFI’s major season, Sci-Fi: Days of Fear and Wonder, plays host to a meeting of music and film. Five solo voyages have been specially written by emerging composers for double bass, cello, tuba, viola and flute, each brought to the screen by artists at Central Saint Martins. Like an alternate universe silent movie, the world-renowned London Sinfonietta players will accompany all five films live in the cinema.
New solo instrument compositions by Luke Styles, Christopher Mayo, Benjamin Oliver, Jacob ThompsonBell and Deborah Pritchard. New films created by students on the Performance Design and Practice course led by Michael Spencer at Central Saint Martins.
#bluetouchpaper
Part of BFI Southbank’s Sonic Cinema strand.
Blue Touch Paper is where we light the fuse of new work, with different art forms in alternative spaces.
(views expressed are personal, not those of the London Sinfonietta)
I loved seeing how instruments were used to make unusual noises and how things like hoover parts and a saw were used to make music! Secondary school pupil
The London Sinfonietta’s commitment to contemporary repertoire continues to pay off; where other ensembles focus heavily on meeting the technical challenges, London Sinfonietta go much further, getting to the heart of the music. **** Bachtrack
I felt opened up to a whole new musical experience and it was not a bit how I imagined. Isadora, Londonist blog reader
The London Sinfonietta and the Royal Academy of Music’s Manson Ensemble…pulled off a remarkable feat of ensemble, precision and sheer virtuoso performing skills. **** The Times
Interesting discussions with @tomservice and performances from @Ldn_Sinfonietta yesterday. The future of “new music” v bright indeed. @stephenupshaw
Some great pieces from Nicolai Worsaae, Christian Winter Christensen & Simon SteenAndersen. Good to see @Ldn_Sinfonietta attacking it! @RolfHind
The London Sinfonietta, under the great Emilio Pomàrico, played with an intensity and conviction scarcely less astonishing than the music itself. ***** The Guardian
Black Box Music by @Ldn_Sinfonietta was potentially the most mental & brilliant thing I’ve seen in a while. Especially the finale. @antonia_berg
TAKE PART
WHAT DO YOU HEAR?
BIRTWISTLE: A CELEBRATION
ROMITELLI: AN INDEX OF METALS A TRANCE OF LIGHT AND SOUND In the final months before his death at the age of just 41, Romitelli fulfilled a lifetime ambition: to create ‘an experience of total perception, plunging the spectator into a magma of sounds, shapes and colours’. Like the light shows of the 1960s or today’s rave-culture, Romitelli’s work thrusts you into a psychedelic new landscape where your every sense is heightened. Combining an ensemble and singer with electronic distortion, three video screens, a light show and surround sound, this is opera as you’ve never known it. #indexofmetals
Wednesday 8 October 2014 at 8pm Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre Tickets £15 (+ concessions) Unreserved seating Transaction fees apply (see back cover)
Friday 5 December 2014 at 7.30pm Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre Tickets premium seats £28*, £20, £15, £8 (+ concessions) Transaction fees apply (see back cover)
A LIFETIME ON THE EDGE
André de Ridder conductor Hila Plitmann mezzo soprano Paolo Pachini video art Leonardo Romoli video art Tony Simpson lighting Sound Intermedia sound projection
No other composer has played such an integral role in the London Sinfonietta’s growth as Sir Harrison Birtwistle, whose music has always remained defiantly uncategorisable. Once considered the bad boy of British music, Birtwistle’s extraordinary output has transformed him into a contemporary icon. Now in his 80th year, this is a chance to get under the skin of one of music’s most challenging minds as we relive his 21st century commissions and give the world premiere of a partner piece to Virelai. Join us for the celebration.
Images: stills from An Index of Metals video art. © Paolo Pachini & Leonardo Romoli
#birtwistlebirthday
Fausto Romitelli An Index of Metals (London premiere)
*Premium tickets include a new recording of the London Sinfonietta performing Birtwistle, due to be released by NMC Recordings in spring 2015. Not only will you get the best seats in the house, but also save £5 on the full price CD and receive it in the post the moment it’s released. Follow the instructions on your ticket stub to claim your copy.
Harrison Birtwistle New Work (world premiere of London Sinfonietta commission); Virelai; In Broken Images*^; Theseus Game^ Royal Academy of Music Manson Ensemble* David Atherton conductor Geoffrey Paterson conductor^ Part of Southbank Centre’s festival In Broken Images: The Music of Sir Harrison Birtwistle. Image: a silk shawl created by Halcyon Days featuring a portrait of Sir Harrison Birtwistle by his son, artist Adam Birtwistle.
CURIOUS? Students: be inquisitive and discover new music for £5 Join the London Sinfonietta’s Curious? student scheme and experience new music with open ears. You’ll get bargain £5 tickets to our Southbank Centre events, access to exclusive post-concert bars and the chance to meet composers throughout the season. Plus we’ll keep you up to date in our Curious? e-newsletter. Sign up for free at londonsinfonietta.org.uk/curious? P.S. If you’re not at university there are also £6.50 under-26 tickets available to all our Southbank Centre events.
NEW MUSIC
ALTERNATIVE VISIONS Haas’ in vain and the @Ldn_Sinfonietta: like nothing I’ve heard before. Jumped out of my skin when that gong was struck in the dark. @ey0k1
Tell us in a tweet: @Ldn_Sinfonietta Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/londonsinfonietta Comment on our blog: londonsinfonietta.wordpress.com
A BLUE TOUCH PAPER EVENT
Follow Jonathan Morton Principal First Violin @jon_morton Andrew Burke Chief Executive @ab2012 James Joslin Administrative Assistant @james_joslin Wednesday 10 December 2014 at 6.30pm NFT3, BFI Southbank Tickets £10.45 (+ concessions) On sale Tuesday 4 November 2014
The BFI’s major season, Sci-Fi: Days of Fear and Wonder, plays host to a meeting of music and film. Five solo voyages have been specially written by emerging composers for double bass, cello, tuba, viola and flute, each brought to the screen by artists at Central Saint Martins. Like an alternate universe silent movie, the world-renowned London Sinfonietta players will accompany all five films live in the cinema.
New solo instrument compositions by Luke Styles, Christopher Mayo, Benjamin Oliver, Jacob ThompsonBell and Deborah Pritchard. New films created by students on the Performance Design and Practice course led by Michael Spencer at Central Saint Martins.
#bluetouchpaper
Part of BFI Southbank’s Sonic Cinema strand.
Blue Touch Paper is where we light the fuse of new work, with different art forms in alternative spaces.
(views expressed are personal, not those of the London Sinfonietta)
I loved seeing how instruments were used to make unusual noises and how things like hoover parts and a saw were used to make music! Secondary school pupil
The London Sinfonietta’s commitment to contemporary repertoire continues to pay off; where other ensembles focus heavily on meeting the technical challenges, London Sinfonietta go much further, getting to the heart of the music. **** Bachtrack
I felt opened up to a whole new musical experience and it was not a bit how I imagined. Isadora, Londonist blog reader
The London Sinfonietta and the Royal Academy of Music’s Manson Ensemble…pulled off a remarkable feat of ensemble, precision and sheer virtuoso performing skills. **** The Times
Interesting discussions with @tomservice and performances from @Ldn_Sinfonietta yesterday. The future of “new music” v bright indeed. @stephenupshaw
Some great pieces from Nicolai Worsaae, Christian Winter Christensen & Simon SteenAndersen. Good to see @Ldn_Sinfonietta attacking it! @RolfHind
The London Sinfonietta, under the great Emilio Pomàrico, played with an intensity and conviction scarcely less astonishing than the music itself. ***** The Guardian
Black Box Music by @Ldn_Sinfonietta was potentially the most mental & brilliant thing I’ve seen in a while. Especially the finale. @antonia_berg
TAKE PART
WHAT DO YOU HEAR?
BIRTWISTLE: A CELEBRATION
ROMITELLI: AN INDEX OF METALS A TRANCE OF LIGHT AND SOUND In the final months before his death at the age of just 41, Romitelli fulfilled a lifetime ambition: to create ‘an experience of total perception, plunging the spectator into a magma of sounds, shapes and colours’. Like the light shows of the 1960s or today’s rave-culture, Romitelli’s work thrusts you into a psychedelic new landscape where your every sense is heightened. Combining an ensemble and singer with electronic distortion, three video screens, a light show and surround sound, this is opera as you’ve never known it. #indexofmetals
Wednesday 8 October 2014 at 8pm Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre Tickets £15 (+ concessions) Unreserved seating Transaction fees apply (see back cover)
Friday 5 December 2014 at 7.30pm Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre Tickets premium seats £28*, £20, £15, £8 (+ concessions) Transaction fees apply (see back cover)
A LIFETIME ON THE EDGE
André de Ridder conductor Hila Plitmann mezzo soprano Paolo Pachini video art Leonardo Romoli video art Tony Simpson lighting Sound Intermedia sound projection
No other composer has played such an integral role in the London Sinfonietta’s growth as Sir Harrison Birtwistle, whose music has always remained defiantly uncategorisable. Once considered the bad boy of British music, Birtwistle’s extraordinary output has transformed him into a contemporary icon. Now in his 80th year, this is a chance to get under the skin of one of music’s most challenging minds as we relive his 21st century commissions and give the world premiere of a partner piece to Virelai. Join us for the celebration.
Images: stills from An Index of Metals video art. © Paolo Pachini & Leonardo Romoli
#birtwistlebirthday
Fausto Romitelli An Index of Metals (London premiere)
*Premium tickets include a new recording of the London Sinfonietta performing Birtwistle, due to be released by NMC Recordings in spring 2015. Not only will you get the best seats in the house, but also save £5 on the full price CD and receive it in the post the moment it’s released. Follow the instructions on your ticket stub to claim your copy.
Harrison Birtwistle New Work (world premiere of London Sinfonietta commission); Virelai; In Broken Images*^; Theseus Game^ Royal Academy of Music Manson Ensemble* David Atherton conductor Geoffrey Paterson conductor^ Part of Southbank Centre’s festival In Broken Images: The Music of Sir Harrison Birtwistle. Image: a silk shawl created by Halcyon Days featuring a portrait of Sir Harrison Birtwistle by his son, artist Adam Birtwistle.
CURIOUS? Students: be inquisitive and discover new music for £5 Join the London Sinfonietta’s Curious? student scheme and experience new music with open ears. You’ll get bargain £5 tickets to our Southbank Centre events, access to exclusive post-concert bars and the chance to meet composers throughout the season. Plus we’ll keep you up to date in our Curious? e-newsletter. Sign up for free at londonsinfonietta.org.uk/curious? P.S. If you’re not at university there are also £6.50 under-26 tickets available to all our Southbank Centre events.
NEW MUSIC
ALTERNATIVE VISIONS Haas’ in vain and the @Ldn_Sinfonietta: like nothing I’ve heard before. Jumped out of my skin when that gong was struck in the dark. @ey0k1
Tell us in a tweet: @Ldn_Sinfonietta Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/londonsinfonietta Comment on our blog: londonsinfonietta.wordpress.com
A BLUE TOUCH PAPER EVENT
Follow Jonathan Morton Principal First Violin @jon_morton Andrew Burke Chief Executive @ab2012 James Joslin Administrative Assistant @james_joslin Wednesday 10 December 2014 at 6.30pm NFT3, BFI Southbank Tickets £10.45 (+ concessions) On sale Tuesday 4 November 2014
The BFI’s major season, Sci-Fi: Days of Fear and Wonder, plays host to a meeting of music and film. Five solo voyages have been specially written by emerging composers for double bass, cello, tuba, viola and flute, each brought to the screen by artists at Central Saint Martins. Like an alternate universe silent movie, the world-renowned London Sinfonietta players will accompany all five films live in the cinema.
New solo instrument compositions by Luke Styles, Christopher Mayo, Benjamin Oliver, Jacob ThompsonBell and Deborah Pritchard. New films created by students on the Performance Design and Practice course led by Michael Spencer at Central Saint Martins.
#bluetouchpaper
Part of BFI Southbank’s Sonic Cinema strand.
Blue Touch Paper is where we light the fuse of new work, with different art forms in alternative spaces.
(views expressed are personal, not those of the London Sinfonietta)
I loved seeing how instruments were used to make unusual noises and how things like hoover parts and a saw were used to make music! Secondary school pupil
The London Sinfonietta’s commitment to contemporary repertoire continues to pay off; where other ensembles focus heavily on meeting the technical challenges, London Sinfonietta go much further, getting to the heart of the music. **** Bachtrack
I felt opened up to a whole new musical experience and it was not a bit how I imagined. Isadora, Londonist blog reader
The London Sinfonietta and the Royal Academy of Music’s Manson Ensemble…pulled off a remarkable feat of ensemble, precision and sheer virtuoso performing skills. **** The Times
Interesting discussions with @tomservice and performances from @Ldn_Sinfonietta yesterday. The future of “new music” v bright indeed. @stephenupshaw
Some great pieces from Nicolai Worsaae, Christian Winter Christensen & Simon SteenAndersen. Good to see @Ldn_Sinfonietta attacking it! @RolfHind
The London Sinfonietta, under the great Emilio Pomàrico, played with an intensity and conviction scarcely less astonishing than the music itself. ***** The Guardian
Black Box Music by @Ldn_Sinfonietta was potentially the most mental & brilliant thing I’ve seen in a while. Especially the finale. @antonia_berg
TAKE PART
WHAT DO YOU HEAR?
BIRTWISTLE: A CELEBRATION
ROMITELLI: AN INDEX OF METALS A TRANCE OF LIGHT AND SOUND In the final months before his death at the age of just 41, Romitelli fulfilled a lifetime ambition: to create ‘an experience of total perception, plunging the spectator into a magma of sounds, shapes and colours’. Like the light shows of the 1960s or today’s rave-culture, Romitelli’s work thrusts you into a psychedelic new landscape where your every sense is heightened. Combining an ensemble and singer with electronic distortion, three video screens, a light show and surround sound, this is opera as you’ve never known it. #indexofmetals
Wednesday 8 October 2014 at 8pm Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre Tickets £15 (+ concessions) Unreserved seating Transaction fees apply (see back cover)
Friday 5 December 2014 at 7.30pm Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre Tickets premium seats £28*, £20, £15, £8 (+ concessions) Transaction fees apply (see back cover)
A LIFETIME ON THE EDGE
André de Ridder conductor Hila Plitmann mezzo soprano Paolo Pachini video art Leonardo Romoli video art Tony Simpson lighting Sound Intermedia sound projection
No other composer has played such an integral role in the London Sinfonietta’s growth as Sir Harrison Birtwistle, whose music has always remained defiantly uncategorisable. Once considered the bad boy of British music, Birtwistle’s extraordinary output has transformed him into a contemporary icon. Now in his 80th year, this is a chance to get under the skin of one of music’s most challenging minds as we relive his 21st century commissions and give the world premiere of a partner piece to Virelai. Join us for the celebration.
Images: stills from An Index of Metals video art. © Paolo Pachini & Leonardo Romoli
#birtwistlebirthday
Fausto Romitelli An Index of Metals (London premiere)
*Premium tickets include a new recording of the London Sinfonietta performing Birtwistle, due to be released by NMC Recordings in spring 2015. Not only will you get the best seats in the house, but also save £5 on the full price CD and receive it in the post the moment it’s released. Follow the instructions on your ticket stub to claim your copy.
Harrison Birtwistle New Work (world premiere of London Sinfonietta commission); Virelai; In Broken Images*^; Theseus Game^ Royal Academy of Music Manson Ensemble* David Atherton conductor Geoffrey Paterson conductor^ Part of Southbank Centre’s festival In Broken Images: The Music of Sir Harrison Birtwistle. Image: a silk shawl created by Halcyon Days featuring a portrait of Sir Harrison Birtwistle by his son, artist Adam Birtwistle.
CURIOUS? Students: be inquisitive and discover new music for £5 Join the London Sinfonietta’s Curious? student scheme and experience new music with open ears. You’ll get bargain £5 tickets to our Southbank Centre events, access to exclusive post-concert bars and the chance to meet composers throughout the season. Plus we’ll keep you up to date in our Curious? e-newsletter. Sign up for free at londonsinfonietta.org.uk/curious? P.S. If you’re not at university there are also £6.50 under-26 tickets available to all our Southbank Centre events.
NEW MUSIC
ALTERNATIVE VISIONS Haas’ in vain and the @Ldn_Sinfonietta: like nothing I’ve heard before. Jumped out of my skin when that gong was struck in the dark. @ey0k1
Tell us in a tweet: @Ldn_Sinfonietta Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/londonsinfonietta Comment on our blog: londonsinfonietta.wordpress.com
A BLUE TOUCH PAPER EVENT
Follow Jonathan Morton Principal First Violin @jon_morton Andrew Burke Chief Executive @ab2012 James Joslin Administrative Assistant @james_joslin Wednesday 10 December 2014 at 6.30pm NFT3, BFI Southbank Tickets £10.45 (+ concessions) On sale Tuesday 4 November 2014
The BFI’s major season, Sci-Fi: Days of Fear and Wonder, plays host to a meeting of music and film. Five solo voyages have been specially written by emerging composers for double bass, cello, tuba, viola and flute, each brought to the screen by artists at Central Saint Martins. Like an alternate universe silent movie, the world-renowned London Sinfonietta players will accompany all five films live in the cinema.
New solo instrument compositions by Luke Styles, Christopher Mayo, Benjamin Oliver, Jacob ThompsonBell and Deborah Pritchard. New films created by students on the Performance Design and Practice course led by Michael Spencer at Central Saint Martins.
#bluetouchpaper
Part of BFI Southbank’s Sonic Cinema strand.
Blue Touch Paper is where we light the fuse of new work, with different art forms in alternative spaces.
(views expressed are personal, not those of the London Sinfonietta)
I loved seeing how instruments were used to make unusual noises and how things like hoover parts and a saw were used to make music! Secondary school pupil
The London Sinfonietta’s commitment to contemporary repertoire continues to pay off; where other ensembles focus heavily on meeting the technical challenges, London Sinfonietta go much further, getting to the heart of the music. **** Bachtrack
I felt opened up to a whole new musical experience and it was not a bit how I imagined. Isadora, Londonist blog reader
The London Sinfonietta and the Royal Academy of Music’s Manson Ensemble…pulled off a remarkable feat of ensemble, precision and sheer virtuoso performing skills. **** The Times
Interesting discussions with @tomservice and performances from @Ldn_Sinfonietta yesterday. The future of “new music” v bright indeed. @stephenupshaw
Some great pieces from Nicolai Worsaae, Christian Winter Christensen & Simon SteenAndersen. Good to see @Ldn_Sinfonietta attacking it! @RolfHind
The London Sinfonietta, under the great Emilio Pomàrico, played with an intensity and conviction scarcely less astonishing than the music itself. ***** The Guardian
Black Box Music by @Ldn_Sinfonietta was potentially the most mental & brilliant thing I’ve seen in a while. Especially the finale. @antonia_berg
TAKE PART
WHAT DO YOU HEAR?
New music is not always easy listening. It can be exciting, unsettling and yes, sometimes difficult. You don’t have to like it all. The best new music will make you reassess what you thought you knew about sound, and like all great art, that’s why it’s important. It challenges us not to settle for what we already know but to embrace ambiguity, be curious and discover new possibilities for what music can mean to us individually. Come to the London Sinfonietta’s events this season and be enthralled by some of the great music of our time.
Take Part in concerts for primary and secondary schools, and our annual London Sinfonietta Academy which trains the next generation of performers. Then there are open calls for the public (that’s you!) to join us and make new music. New Music commissioned by the London Sinfonietta includes a work by Sir Harrison Birtwistle to mark his 80th birthday and the special relationship he has had with us. Plus a range of new concert works and songs that are timed to coincide with the General Election of 2015 as messages to the new government. Events range from an inventive set of concerts and staged works, to our expanding series of Blue Touch Paper performances where we light the fuse of new work, with different art forms in alternative spaces.
NEW MUSIC IS NOT ALWAYS EASY LISTENING 2014/15 EVENTS ROMITELLI: AN INDEX OF METALS Wednesday 8 October, Queen Elizabeth Hall
BIRTWISTLE: A CELEBRATION Friday 5 December, Queen Elizabeth Hall
ALTERNATIVE VISIONS Wednesday 10 December, BFI Southbank
RILEY: IN C Saturday 10 January, Kings Place
DILLON: STABAT MATER DOLOROSA Wednesday 21 January, Queen Elizabeth Hall
REICH: IN PERSON Saturday 14 February, Kings Place
SPECTRUMS OF SOUND: PART 1 Friday 27 February, Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall*
SPECTRUMS OF SOUND: PART 2 Saturday 28 March, Queen Elizabeth Hall*
CHRISTIAN MARCLAY EXHIBITION Sunday 25 January - Sunday 12 April, White Cube Gallery*
HAAS: ATTHIS
BOOKING INFORMATION Southbank Centre 0844 847 9940 southbankcentre.co.uk No transaction fees for Southbank Centre Members and Supporters, or in-person bookings. For online bookings: £1.75. For phone bookings: £2.75. £5 student tickets and £6.50 under-26 tickets are available for all our Southbank Centre events. Kings Place 020 7520 1490 kingsplace.co.uk Royal Opera House 020 7304 4000 roh.org.uk BFI Southbank 020 7928 3232 bfi.org.uk Transaction fee for non-member bookings: £1 per ticket. Aldeburgh 01728 687110 tickets.aldeburgh.co.uk
Wednesday 22, Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April, Linbury Studio Theatre at Royal Opera House*
Central Saint Martins Tickets sold via Eventbrite on the London Sinfonietta website
NOTES TO A NEW GOVERNMENT
CONTACT US
Saturday 9 May, Queen Elizabeth Hall*
London Sinfonietta Kings Place, 90 York Way London, N1 9AG
BIRTWISTLE: THE CORRIDOR/THE CURE Friday 12, Sunday 14 and Monday 15 June, Snape Maltings* Thursday 18, Saturday 20, Monday 22, Wednesday 24, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June, The Linbury Studio Theatre at Royal Opera House*
MUSICIANS OF TOMORROW
(UN)EASY LISTENING?
info@londonsinfonietta.org.uk T 020 7239 9340 F 020 7239 9369 Sinfonietta Productions Ltd Registered in England No. 926551 Registered Charity No. 255095
Sunday 12 July, Platform Theatre at Central Saint Martins*
All information was correct at time of going to press. The London Sinfonietta reserves the right to make changes where necessary.
*On sale date to be announced
Design harrison-agency.com
AUTUMN 2014 AT SOUTHBANK CENTRE @Ldn_Sinfonietta facebook.com/londonsinfonietta londonsinfonietta.wordpress.com londonsinfonietta.org.uk