A new album and a new ensemble
Boost for contemporary classical music in North East
A new album featuring Voices of Hope, the one-time National Choir of the Year, features previously unrecorded choral works by Durham-born composer Will Todd.
All Will Be Well, on which you’ll also hear Todd on piano and the Alina Orchestra, takes its title from the first of the 14 tracks. It was launched on April 26 at a concert in St Mary’s Church, Ponteland, and can be bought via the Signum Records website.
The musical director of Voices of Hope is Mark Edwards, an incredibly busy figure on the North East music scene.
He’s about to get busier, having launched a new ensemble which is making its public debut with a concert at the Lit & Phil, Newcastle, on May 8 at 8pm.
The Kainos ensemble, according to its website, arose from a conversation between Mark and composer Andrew Harvey who was bewailing the scant opportunities in the North East to hear contemporary classical music.
“Some years and many challenges later, we're delighted to announce that Kainos is about to give its first concert,” they say.
The Kainos players are Andrew Broome (clarinet), Clare Crinson (flute), Ed Cross (violin), Alison Gill (piano), Darren Gallacher (percussion), Gemma Kost (cello) and, of course, Mark as conductor.
The opening concert, “a celebration of new music that is reshaping Newcastle’s musical landscape”, will include Winter Reels by John Casken, Woogie Boogie by Errollyn Wallen (newly appointed Master of the King’s Music) and Glitch by Newcastle-born Anna Appleby.
The Kainos ensemble pledges to champion established names and emerging voices.
“Whether you're a long-time enthusiast or simply curious about exploring new musical territory, join us in experiencing the power and beauty of contemporary music,” they say.
Tickets from Eventbrite via the Kainos website or that of the Lit & Phil.