Sunderland composer returns home for musical 'love letter' to the North East
The concert brings together Royal Northern Sinfonia and Ben Lunn - uniting to spotlight composers with a link to the region
A Sunderland-born composer is returning to his home city next month to conduct the Royal Northern Sinfonia for the first time in a concert celebrating the North East’s rich musical heritage.
Ben Lunn will join the orchestra for A Good Company of Musick at Arts Centre Washington on June 17 – a programme which will shine a spotlight on composers with connections to the region while also showcasing his own work inspired by Sunderland poet William Martin.
The concert marks another milestone in a growing international career for Ben, who recently made his conducting debut in Kazakhstan and with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, where he led the world’s first orchestral concert featuring disabled composers.
At the heart of the Washington performance will be ANNA MARRA MISSA, a composition commissioned by Royal Northern Sinfonia with support from the Royal Philharmonic Society. Based on the poetry of William Martin, whose work celebrated North East heritage and traditions, the piece will be performed by British soprano Rosalind Dobson.
Alongside Ben’s composition, audiences will hear music by two historical figures with strong regional links – Charles Avison and William Herschel.
North East-born Avison was a nineteenth century composer during the Baroque period while German-British astronomer and composer Willam Herschel (1738-1822) moved to Sunderland in 1761 where he engaged Avison as a violinist.
Ben, who is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent artists, said the concert represents a homecoming as much as a professional opportunity.
“I’m giddy about this concert at ACW and the concert is filled solely with composers tied to the north east. I’m particularly proud of my labour of love ANNA MARRA MISSA, based on the incredible poetry of William Martin.
“I’m delighted Rosalind will perform the piece, she’s an up and coming superstar and knows my work well.”
Although his career has taken him around the UK and beyond, Ben said his roots remain firmly in the North East, where his love of music first developed through brass bands.
“I’m still a huge fan of brass bands and worked with the Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band last year on a piece called Durham Diptych, which was performed at Redhills in October.
“I’m proud of my North East heritage and rarely get opportunities to perform or play in the region, so the Arts Centre Washington date is a special one for me.
“You can leave Sunderland, but it’s always part of you, and ANNA MARRA MISSA and the other pieces are like a love letter to the city and region.
“I’m deeply excited about coming home and I hope the audience enjoys the piece as much as I did working on it.”
Matt Blyth, general manager at Arts Centre Washington, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ben Lunn and Royal Northern Sinfonia to Washington for what promises to be a really special night.
“Ben’s music is deeply rooted in his North East and his working-class heritage, and his work resonates with a strong sense of place.”
The concert takes place at Arts Centre Washington on June 17. Tickets are available from the website.