Huddersfield’s world-famous contemporary music festival begins today.
Opening with a tribute to American experimentalist Christian Wolff, who is celebrating his 80th birthday, the festival promises a host of musical firsts with 37 world premieres.
This weekend alone sees premieres of works by two lecturers from the University of Huddersfield, Philip Thomas and Liza Lim, as well as the first performances of new works commissioned by the festival from Manchester-based composer Larry Goves and Chilean guitarist and composer Pedro Alvarez.
Internationally-acclaimed Scottish composer James Dillon has two premieres during the week and four concerts showcasing his work - one of which will be performed by the renowned Arditti Quartet.
The festival has built its reputation on featuring an eclectic mix of music - from experimental to contemporary classical - and the programme for the week ahead promises everything from a piece composed for wooden percussion instruments to a new chamber opera. Monday, November 24, has free concerts in Huddersfield featuring up-and-coming performers, and at The Hepworth in Wakefield - a new partner for the festival - there’s a free Early English Experimentalism concert on Sunday, November 23.
For details of concerts visit www.hcmf.co.uk
