This autumn, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) are helping people travel the world – without ever leaving the city.
With a specific focus on south east Asia, travel from South Korea to China, and from Japan back to the UK again, all through the power of music.
BCMG are proud to launch their new ‘Continental Drift’ series, which is a season of concerts running into 2024, which will celebrate ‘cross-genre collaboration, the fusion of cultures, and momentum in all its interpretations’.
With a line-up of inspiring musicians, conductors and creatives from across the globe, including Ensemble TIMF, Mu Arts, Voices of Black Opera, and renowned artist Haroon Mizra, they’d like to invite you to be part of the celebration too.
Stephan Meier, artistic director at BCMG, said: “We commission new works to unfold their creativity, to inspire our audience and artists, and provide new opportunities.
We’re looking forward to you joining us – there’s plenty of chances to drop by, get involved and support.”
(Image: BCMG)
Whether you’re a music aficionado, curious to learn more about different cultures, or maybe even just looking for a new experience, BCMG are confident there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are just a handful of the upcoming events taking place over the next few months, to get you started – some of them are even free to attend.
Noh Welcome Workshop
Where: CBSO Centre, Birmingham
When: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 6pm-9pm
Join BCMG for a mesmerising exploration of Noh, an ancient Japanese form of musical theatre that has captivated audiences for centuries.
As part of a two-year cultural exchange with the creators of Noh Reimagined and composers Hollie Harding and Ben Nobuto, they’re thrilled to present an interactive workshop in Noh theatre.
Tickets cost £10 for adults, and £5 for students. To find out more, and book tickets, visit the webpage.
Ensemble Contempo Beijing X BCMG
Where: CBSO Centre, Birmingham
When: Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 4.30pm onwards
In 2019, BCMG joined forces with the Central Conservatoire of Music in Beijing for the 10th anniversary of the China ConTempo Composition Competition.
This prestigious competition opened its doors to composers of all nationalities, under the age of 35, inviting them to showcase their creativity.
(Image: Andrew Fox)
Now, you’re cordially invited to witness the culmination of this collaboration, at the UK premieres of the four winning compositions that transcend borders and traditions.
Tickets cost £15 for general admission, and £7.50 for students. To find out more, and book tickets, visit the webpage.
Ligeti 100 Volunteer Callout
Where: The Exchange, Birmingham
When: Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 5pm for the rehearsal, and 7.30pm for the concert
You could be part of history, and join 99 other music lovers in a ‘DIY style’ recreation of one of the most iconic pieces of the 20th century.
Coinciding with György Ligeti’s centenary year, BCMG are inviting volunteers to be part of a musical milestone.
Rehearsals are at 5pm, with the grand performance at 7.30pm on the same day. Book your place now to be part of something extraordinary.
To find out more, and to book your place to be part of the concert, visit the webpage.
Songs at Day, Songs at Night Brum
Where: Elgar Hall, University of Birmingham
When: Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 7.30pm onwards
This October, BCMG, under the baton of Vimbayi Kaziboni, BCMG will perform composer Daniel Kidane’s new Sound Investment piece for Thando Mjandana, the 2022 winner of the Voice Of Black Opera’s Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Award.
BCMG is also delighted to be supporting the Black British Classical Foundation in promoting their VOBO Singing Competition for a second year.
Tickets cost £15 for general admission, and £7.50 for students. To find out more, and book tickets, visit the webpage.
Cherry Blossom Concert
(Image: Anna Mhairi)
Where: Oozells Square, Brindleyplace Birmingham
When: Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 3pm onwards
The third instalment of the highly popular Cherry Blossom Concert series is back, proudly in collaboration with Ikon Gallery.
The event is completely free to attend, and includes an hour-long, free, sensory event for all ages, featuring music by Japanese composers, and inspired by nature.
Before you go, make sure you don’t leave before picking up a goody bag.
General admission is free. To find out more, and book tickets, visit the webpage.
To find out more about Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s upcoming events, visit the website.You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube.