New Generation Arts Festival - “And Now The News”

OPENING EVENT - "AND NOW, THE NEWS"

This concert marks the launch of the New Generation Arts Festival featuring Integra 2008.

BBC4 World News Today

What soundtrack would you choose to accompany the news? Have you wondered about the music behind the headlines? A new commission by New Guide to Opera (Michael Wolters and Marcus Dross) explores this idea in our increasingly media-driven society, with original music performed to a live broadcast of the BBC4 World News Today.

The performance features students from Birmingham Conservatoire alongside cellist Julian Lloyd Webber, one of the most creative musicians of his generation.

Julian will also perform a new work written specifically for him “And the bridge is love“ by Howard Goodall, Conductor: Daniele Rosina.

Integra Feature Commission

Integra 2008 works take centre stage in the second half, with the performance of a second commission by the renowned Ensemble Ars Nova, from Sweden, which has a long history of performing new and groundbreaking repertoire. Other works include Pierre Jodlowski’s ‘Respire’, for ensemble, video and live electronics, a new work by Ed Bennett, in collaboration with Paul Dunmall (saxophone) and Juneau Projects and Kent Olofsson’s ‘Tarpeian Rock’ for ensemble and live electronics.

Ed Bennett has received commissions from and had works performed internationally by many diverse artists, ensembles and organisations. Juneau Projects was created by artists Phil Duckworth and Ben Sadler in 1999. Based in Birmingham, they have developed their practice in reaction to the status of electronic goods in contemporary cultures, exhibiting nationally and internationally.

£10 (£8 concessions, £2.50 students)For tickets please contact the Town Hall Ticket Office on 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

Please note that, owing to the live link with the BBC News, this concert will start promptly at 7pm. Please be seated by 6.55pm.

newgenerationarts.co.uk/events/opening-event-and-now-the-news/