The International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM) is an international network of members from around fifty countries, devoted to the promotion and presentation of new and contemporary music. Sound and Music represents the British Section of the ISCM and supports British composers to have work performed at the annual ISCM World New Music Days Festival.
Following a competitive application process, the ISCM British Section Board have selected the 6 composers who will be submitted to the ISCM International Jury for consideration. At least 1 will be selected for performance at the Faroe Islands festival from 22 to 30 June 2024. The shortlisted composers are:
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Lawrence Dunn, Aldabra fody
“The ISCM is a totally unique organisation in the history of contemporary music, so it feels very gratifying to be shortlisted for the British Section. With the World Music Days being held for the first time on the African continent this year, I hope that the ISCM can provide a basis for further internationalism in contemporary music, especially to an increasing presence for composers from the Global South.”
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Bobbie-Jane Gardner, true self
“I’m a little bit shocked and delighted to be shortlisted for the British Section of the ISCM. Regardless of the outcome, it’s enough for me to get this far. Massive big ups to CBSO for the commission, and musicians Eugene Tzikindelean, Kirsty Lovie, Adam Römer and Eduardo Vassallo for sensitive performances. And finally, gratitude to my Royal Birmingham Conservatoire students who continue to keep me growing as a composer, and Geoff Hannan, whom the piece is dedicated to, who during the pandemic showed me how to be a better composer.”
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Matthew Kaner, Piano Trio
“I’m delighted that my Piano Trio has been shortlisted. It’s a piece that holds special significance for me personally and an ensemble I love writing for. The first movement in particular (which was written five years before the other two) holds some very fond memories of my Sound and Music residency with BBC Radio 3 and the many wonderful players I first got to know through the scheme. Completing and then recording the full three movements as part of my album last year with Benjamin Baker, Daniel Lebhardt and Matthias Balzat was an absolute joy, too. It would be so wonderful to have it performed as part of the ISCM World New Music Days Festival 2024 in the Faroe Islands… fingers crossed!“
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Sonia Killmann, Là-haut
“I feel incredibly honoured and humbled to be part of such an esteemed selection of artists. After spending many hours working on Là-haut for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (which would not be possible without the support of Shaper Caper’s Queer To Stay program) it is such a joy to have my work recognised and valued by the ISCM and Sound and Music UK. I am grateful for this opportunity and can say without a doubt that this is a significant step for my practice and my career. It is great to be able to make new connections through this shortlisting and I look forward to the final selection for the World Music Days Festival.”
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Zoë Martlew, G-lude
“I’m thrilled and honoured to be shortlisted for the ISCM British Section!”
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Benjamin Oliver, Drip Feeder
“I’m super excited that ‘Drip Feeder’ has been shortlisted. The work brings together two of my favourite musical things; the piano virtuosity of Yshani Perinpanayagam and the sound of Mr. Turquoise Synth, a low memory synthesiser designed and built for me by Blake Troise (aka PROTODOME).“
Read more about the ISCM British Section, including previous shortlisted composers, here
About the ISCM