A free day of engaging and accessible events exploring a diverse range of twentieth-century British music united by a focus on melody.

Dip in and out of the events with your free ticket, and enjoy the evening concert for only £5.

12:00–14:30 – Open Rehearsal followed by Q&A
Watch and listen to Dark Inventions rehearse repertoire for the evening concert. Find out how an ensemble tackles this challenging music, with a chance to ask the players questions at 12:45.

15:15–16:30 – Unlocking the music
Martin Scheuregger (University of York) explores how this music is constructed and how we might understand it as listeners. By taking apart individual pieces with live examples from Dark Inventions, you will get an insight into the fascinating inner workings of the music.

16:45–17:45 – Roundtable discussion
A panel of composers and musicians share their thoughts on how this music is written and what we can get out of it as listeners.

18:00–19:00 – Hands-on with British music
Scores and resources related to British music will be on display for you to browse. There will also be the opportunity to provide feedback and comments on the day’s activities.

19:30–21:30 – Concert
Dark Inventions perform an eclectic programme of British music, including pieces explored during the day. Melody is seen in many forms in this exciting collection of works.

Dark Inventions (1992) – Philip Cashian – 15’
Court Studies from The Tempest (2005) – Thomas Adès – 8’
Visiones – after Goya (2015) – Martin Suckling – 14’
Rat-race (2000) – Alison Kay – 6’

INTERVAL

Cimmerian Nocturne (1978-79) – Philip Grange – 16’
Blue Green Hill (2012) – Judith Weir – 12’
Backslap Boobytrap (2012) – Colin Riley – 8’