Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, run in partnership with the University of Huddersfield, returns later this month.
The UK’s largest international festival of new and experimental music, known as hcmf// 2023, brings a packed 10-day programme of over 50 events – including performances, installations, exhibitions, talks and workshops – featuring world and UK premieres from leading international artists.
The 10-day programme, which runs from November 17-26, includes 25 world premieres and 70 UK premieres.
Organisers are delighted to see the return of hcmf// shorts on Monday November 20. It’s a packed day of entirely free performances, each approximately 20 minutes long, from a wide range of performers and is a great introduction for anyone new to contemporary music, who’s keen to know more.
The festival opens with UK premiere of composer in residence, Jennifer Walshe’s PERSONHOOD, an exploration of personal identity in a digital world of constant surveillance and technology.
hcmf// 2023 also sees the welcome return of Jürg Frey, who was Composer in Residence at hcmf// 2015 and is described as one of contemporary music’s “most distinctive voices” by the New Yorker.
Jürg Frey @ 70 (Saturday November 25) is a day of performances by acclaimed musicians who have developed strong ties to his craft. This is also the second year of international partnerships with Ireland and Lithuania as well as celebrating the Kirklees Year of Music 2023.
Graham McKenzie, hcmf// artistic director, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Jennifer Walshe as this year’s Composer in Residence
“Jennifer is an artist that has provided so many memorable moments at hcmf// and this year can only add to that list with a programme that ranges from the large-scale opener PERSONHOOD to a rare appearance with American duo Matmos!
“Swiss composer Jürg Frey has a special place in the hearts of all associated with hcmf// and it is right that we celebrate his 70th year with a day dedicated to his music.
“When you add two UK premieres of works by renowned British composer Rebecca Saunders and a major new work from Liza Lim, then I am confident that this 46th edition of the festival will rank amongst the very best.”
To view the complete hcmf// programme and for online sales go to: www.hcmf.co.uk
