Manchester, Norwich, Cairo, London

A few bits of news:

I’ve been commissioned by the wonderful Psappha to write a 6-piece ensemble work for their 25th anniversary season, to be performed at Manchester’s St Michael’s in early 2017. Psappha have previously performed my Enmîmés sont les gougebosqueux on two occasions.

I’m grateful to the Britten-Pears Foundation and the Ernst von Siemens Muzikstiftung for supporting the commission.

I’ll be spending some time in Cairo, Egypt at the ‘Heritage and Modernity’ events organised by the European-Egyptian Contemporary Music Society. They’ve invited various young composers from around the world to learn about and discuss Arabic music, cultural heritage and the relationship of European modernism to other musical traditions. There will be lectures, seminars and performances during the week beginning April 11 – the British council are kindly supporting my participation.

Violinist Daniel Pioro will give the first complete performance of my four Études for solo violin on 24 July at Norwich’s The Chapel, Park Lane, alongside pieces by Biber and Gerald Barry. You can judge what I think of his playing by my quote over at his website.

Lastly, my ensemble piece for the London Sinfonietta is now complete, and it is entitled ‘Spirit of the Staircase‘. Martyn Brabbins will conduct the premiere at St John’s Smith Square, London, on 1 June, alongside a new piece by Sir Harrison Birtwistle and recent pieces by Tansy Davies and Francisco Coll. Tickets here.