October 16-22, 2016

Just back from China, where we have had the most inspiring time, in residency at the Tianjin Conservatory of Music. A week of concerts, workshops, masterclasses and discovery – organised by our host, George Holloway (head of composition).

The two concerts focused predominantly on British music:

Programme One:
Mihailo Trandafilovski – ‘Fibers AND Coils’ (2015)
George Holloway – ‘Birds in Flight’ (2012)
Laurie Bamon – ‘All the Summer Sea birds’ (2016)
Sadie Harrison – ‘Broken Wing’ (2015)
Richard Beaudoin – ‘You know I’m yours’ (2016)
Giacinto Scelsi – ‘Arc en Ciel’ (1973)
Michael Finnissy – ‘Nobody’s Jig’ (1981)

Programme Two:
David Matthews – 8th Quartet Op 75 (1998)
Benjamin Britten – ‘Elegy’ (1930)
George Holloway – ‘Tullochgorm’ (2016)
Michael Finnissy – ‘Civilisation’ (2012)
Holloway – ‘From Nothing to No One’ (2006)
Robert Saxton – ‘3rd Quartet’ (2009-11)

But, for me, it was the work with the students that proved most memorable – just wonderful to work with such talented, open, and humble musicians.  Here are some comments by the students:

And, some photos that capture the atmosphere:

Leading a composition masterclass. From left to right: Hao Yu Wang, George Holloway, me, Hao Ting Tian, Yan Le Zhang, Yue Li and Ping An.

Workshop – Kreutzers with Hao Ting Tian and George Holloway

KQ rehearsing Finnissy

Extended techniques workshop. Photo by Peter Sheppard Skaerved.

More about the project here: http://www.peter-sheppard-skaerved.com/2016/10/22096/