The ensemble will integrate outreach projects and programs alongside modern works and several world premieres.
New music ensemble the London Sinfonietta announced the details of its next season built around the theme of “New Futures”. The season will incorporate outreach projects and programs alongside modern works and several world premieres.
The coming season will see the London Sinfonietta collaborating with a wide range of composers, conductors and artists in a bid to become more inclusive and achieve greater representation in its work.
Speaking of the season’s ‘New Futures’ theme, Managing Director and Artistic Director Andrew Burke, said: ‘The great tradition of the London Sinfonietta can both serve as a huge library of music that still needs to be explored and still inspiring, while the same tradition compels to move forward and create new music with composers and artists we haven’t worked with before – and explore what new music can be, where we make it and who it is for.
Over the weekend, the London Sinfonietta presented the music of Iannis Xenakis in a concert celebrating the composer’s centenary. The concert, with a program composed entirely of works by Xenakis, will feature pianist Philip Howard, clarinetist Mark van de Wiel and percussionist Oliver Lowe led by conductor and long-time London Sinfonietta collaborator, Geoffrey Paterson.
Paterson said: “Directing the London Sinfonietta has been an immensely joyful part of my musical life from the very beginning of my career, and our collaboration remains one of my most cherished artistic relationships. Whether they are playing a brand new experimental score or a modern classic from the last century, these fine musicians bring unparalleled virtuosity and depth of experience to their performances. It’s always an absolute thrill and a privilege to make music with them.
The winter months will also see an exploration of the work of Japanese composer Tōru Takemitsu (November 27) in a program featuring Takemitsu’s work alongside works by Debussy, Messaien, Webern and Tchaikovsky. The ensemble will also present the Italian composer Salvatore Sciarrino alongside the world premieres of Justė Janulytė and Jack Sheen (December 2).
Other composers with world premieres in the London Sinfonietta’s next season include composer and multidisciplinary artist Nwando Ebizie (April), and audiences will be treated to UK premieres of music by Lisa Streich, Tyshawn Sorey (December 2) and, looking forward to the new year, Julia Wolfe (April 6), Dai Fujikura, Tania León and Augusta Read Thomas (May 25).
The London Sinfonietta will also continue its composition challenges across the UK, and its Couch to Concert audience development podcast, as well as starting a residency at St Ignatius School in Enfield and working in the area of Lancaster and Morecambe on a concert and film project (pictured above) telling the ‘untold stories’ behind local residents.
You can find out more about the London Sinfonietta’s “New Futures” season here.
