HUDDERSFIELD CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVAL (hcmf//) AND THE RIOT ENSEMBLE ANNOUNCE NEW ZEITGEIST COMMISSIONS
– six new solo works to be presented at a future edition of hcmf//
https://hcmf.co.uk/hcmf-and-the-riot-ensemble-announce-new-zeitgeist-commissions/
Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival (hcmf//) is to join forces with The Riot Ensemble on the ensemble’s ongoing Zeitgeist commissioning project. Together, hcmf// and Riot – a regular presence at hcmf// – will commission six composers to write new pieces for solo instruments, to be presented throughout a future edition of hcmf// Shorts, with videos of the performances shared online at a later date.
The Riot Ensemble launched Zeitgeist in response to the worldwide lockdown caused by Covid-19. In an attempt to keep music flowing and work for composers circulating, the group teamed up with Zeitgeist, an online gallery that presents contemporary work through a digital lens. Through the project, the dynamic UK-based ensemble commissioned seven young composers across the globe, committing to performances of their work through Zeitgeist’s online space and Riot’s own YouTube channel.
The commissions are as follows:
Matthew Grouse for percussionist Sam Wilson
Anna Appleby for saxophonist Amy Green
Tanya Auclair for bass clarinetist Ausiàs Garrigós Morant
Hannah Kendall for cellist Louise McMonagle
Tonia Ko for violist Stephen Upshaw
Heloise Tunstall-Behrens for pianist Adam Swayne
“As the pandemic continues to bring about major complications for working musicians, we’re proud to join forces with the Riot Ensemble in finding practical solutions for artists, bringing about new paid opportunities for musicians, as well as unique showcases of their work” said hcmf//‘s Artistic Director, Graham McKenzie