One of our major focuses this year is on the British composer Steve Martland, one of the most vibrant, unconventional and dynamic voices in British music, until his untimely death in 2013.

Born in Liverpool, he studied composition in Holland with Louis Andriessen. His music is raw, physical, rhythmic and uncompromising, yet his vision extended far beyond sound alone. Steve cared deeply about the role of the composer in society: he was outspoken on issues of access, diversity and challenging the establishment. He also devoted himself to education, leading composition projects in schools across the UK and abroad. Collaboration was central to his practice, often working with musicians outside the classical world and regularly performing with his own ensemble, The Steve Martland Band.

Throughout this series of five performances, we invite the The Colin Currie Group – Carice Singers – Hebrides Ensemble – Riot Ensemble and Artists in Residence, GBSR Duo to tell his story through sound.

This series is generously supported by the Vaughan Williams Foundation.