News and entertainment worth sharing – York and North Yorkshire

Spring into new music this weekend, May 9-11, 2014

The music ensemble Dark Inventions
@ Things to do
The music ensemble Dark Inventions
The music ensemble Dark Inventions

This weekend York will be taken over by new music of every style and genre.

The York Spring Festival of New Music (May 9-11)is all about sharing an enthusiasm for the music of today with as many people as possible.

Whether it’s a new pop song or symphony, the rediscovery of something old or a favourite that’s been put in to a new context, the festival aims to celebrate creativity.

Encompassing all genres, including pop, rock, jazz, music theatre, classical and world music, the festival 2014 presents a unique opportunity to experience this wide range of genres in just one weekend!

Bigger and better

The theme for 2014 is Carnival. “This year, we’re really embracing our status as one of York’s incredible festivals,” said festival director Andrew Hume.

“Our Carnival theme has allowed us to create a fantastic programme that is filled with our passion for New Music.

The York Spring Festival weekend is the perfect opportunity to experience something new!”

The opening event will take place at The University of York’s Sir Jack Lyon’s Concert Hall and promises to present a “new music tasting plate”.

Or in other words, a varied programme of new works by young composers associated with the university.

Composers include Rose Hall, Peter Smith, Martin Schurreguer, Joe Steele and Ben Turner.

Closing the concert will be a new work for electric cello, countertenor, chamber ensemble, choir and fixed media, created by the winners of this year’s Terry Holmes Award, York postgraduate students, James Cave and Christopher Mullender.

Saturday May 10 offers fun for all the family with a free afternoon of carnival performances held in St Sampson’s Square from 2pm.

Live music from local artists such as Alice Ostapjuk and Leo James, a samba drum workshop, carnival dancing, face painting, and more will certainly keep all ages entertained.

What’s on?

On Saturday evening at 7.30pm, young chamber ensemble Dark Inventions are a welcome return to the festival programme this year as a part of their Firewheel Tour.

Joined by singer, composer and songwriter Stef Conner, the group performs old folk songs interwoven with music by emerging composers of the contemporary British scene, at the National Centre for Early Music.

The last day of the festival, Sunday, May 11, kicks off with a festival brunch where the Spring Festival of New Music performers, composers, and organisers come together for a relaxed morning of New Music debate and discussion.

Get involved

All welcome as this informal brunch provides an opportunity for casual conversation about new music.

Victoria Bernath, James Whittle and The Carnivore Troupe present Carnivore – a unique performance promenade, drawing inspiration from the historic sites of York’s City Centre, on Sunday afternoon.

This musical walking tour of York’s landmarks will explore the city in unexpected and intriguing ways.

Blending contemporary and historical styles in a fusion of music, theatre, spoken word, and choreographed movement, Carnivore celebrates historic and modern York. Free for children under 16.

The York Spring Festival of New Music 2014 will conclude with a Contemporary Music Club Night at the city’s leading music venue, The Duchess.

London’s Nonclassical make their debut in York at this exciting event, presenting something the City has never seen before – a combination of live musicians and remixed classics fit to party to! Tickets £3 advance.