Howard Skempton: September Songs

Ikon, Birmingham
1 Oozells Square, B1 2HS
United Kingdom
0121 248 0708
http://www.ikon-gallery.co.uk/

A Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and Ikon collaboration; presented during ArtsFest
Featuring BCMG soloists and mezzo-soprano Loré Lixenberg

For September Songs renowned British composer Howard Skempton selects artworks from Ikon’s exhibition This Could Happen To You and uses them as a visual backdrop for a sequence of musical performances by BCMG soloists and mezzo-soprano Loré Lixenberg. Taking place throughout Ikon, September Songs allows Skempton’s music to unfold across the gallery’s interconnecting rooms, giving rise to chance encounters.

Best known for his stripped-down, melodic compositions, Skempton presents music from the 1960s–1970s and newly written miniatures, such as his recent interludes for cello and guitar. The former will include Pole which will be performed across the gallery, creating an ever-shifting sound backdrop, and For Strings (see below).

Sprinkled throughout the weekend will be a series of solos and duets including two new works for Loré Lixenberg, a setting of DH Lawrence’s Whales Weep Not! and a new piece setting definitions of words taken from the Penguin Dictionary of Music.

We invite members of the public to take part on Saturday 11 September in performances of For Strings, a piece whose score comprises three words – Waves / Shingle / Seagulls. We are looking for string players of any standard – those interested should contact BCMG on 0121 616 2616 or email info@bcmg.org.uk. Alternatively, turn up on the day with your instrument, arriving at Ikon in time for a 3pm briefing from the composer.

Visit www.ikon-gallery.co.uk or www.bcmg.org.uk nearer the time for a full schedule of the weekend, including family and participatory activities.

Howard Skempton : September Songs