Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Orchestral

 

Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Birmingham, England. The group was founded in 1987 by a group of young musicians who were passionate about contemporary music and wanted to create a platform for new and experimental works. The founding members of BCMG were Simon Clugston, Anthony Gilbert, Ulrich Heinen, John Kenny, and Andrew Toovey. They were all graduates of the Birmingham Conservatoire and had a shared vision of promoting contemporary music in the city and beyond. In its early years, BCMG focused on commissioning and performing new works by emerging composers. The group quickly gained a reputation for its innovative programming and high-quality performances. BCMG's first major commission was from composer Harrison Birtwistle, who wrote his work "Silbury Air" for the group in 1988. Over the years, BCMG has collaborated with many leading composers, including Oliver Knussen, Thomas Adès, and Judith Weir. The group has also worked with renowned soloists such as Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Nicholas Daniel, and Rolf Hind. One of BCMG's most significant achievements was its residency at the CBSO Centre in Birmingham, which began in 1997. The residency allowed the group to establish a permanent base and develop a loyal following in the city. BCMG also began to tour extensively, performing at major festivals and venues across the UK and Europe. In 2002, BCMG was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Ensemble. The award recognized the group's outstanding contribution to contemporary music and its commitment to commissioning and performing new works. BCMG has also been recognized for its educational work, which includes workshops, masterclasses, and outreach programs. The group has worked with schools and community groups across the West Midlands, introducing young people to contemporary music and inspiring the next generation of musicians. In recent years, BCMG has continued to push the boundaries of contemporary music, commissioning new works and collaborating with a diverse range of artists. In 2019, the group premiered a new work by composer Howard Skempton, which was commissioned as part of BCMG's 30th-anniversary celebrations. BCMG's commitment to contemporary music has made it one of the most respected and innovative ensembles in the UK. The group's dedication to commissioning and performing new works has helped to shape the contemporary music landscape and inspire audiences and musicians alike.

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