Learning and participation a hit at hcmf 2009

Piano Phasing

"The concert finished with a sing-a-long mash-up of familiar tunes."

A host of new work was unveiled at hcmf 2009: its 13 world premiere events and 20 UK or European premieres included Richard Barrett’s Mesopotamia, Wolfgang Rihm’s –ET LUX– and Jonathan Harvey’s Sringara Chaconne. And thanks to the festival’s Learning and Participation strand, young and amateur musicians were able to take their place alongside world-class soloists and ensembles in presenting audiences with fresh contemporary music.

“There were loads of opportunities for local musicians to shine through our Learning and Participation events”, says hcmf’s Education and Outreach Officer, Heidi Johnson. “In particular the performance of Kristoffer Zegers' Piano Phasing was a great success, showcasing the talents of 50 pianists from the region, ranging from college students to retired people, including someone who had travelled all the way from Canada to perform. Over 300 people attended the performance in Huddersfield Town Hall to hear, and see, 25 pianos played simultaneously.”

This first UK performance of Piano Phasing drew some enthusiastic feedback from those taking part: “I liked meeting new people and playing and experiencing new music, plus the concert was really exciting,” said one player. “Taking part with others – not a normal experience for a pianist!” said another, whilst a third noted, “It opened my ears.”

The hcmf//vocalise project reached an equally spectacular conclusion during hcmf 2009, with the performance of Alvin Curran's Oh Man Oh Mankind Oh Yeah in Huddersfield Town Hall. Funded by Youth Music, vocalise gave young people aged between eight and 18 the chance to explore and develop singing techniques in weekly workshops. The ensemble teamed up with the University of Huddersfield choir and more than 100 members of Huddersfield Choral Society to give Curran’s piece its world premiere.

“The concert featured a huge range of unusual vocal techniques and improvisations as well as mini harmonicas, plastic tubes and four orchestral bass drums, before finishing with a sing-a-long mash-up of familiar tunes,” Johnson says.

One singer described the concert as “crazy but fun!”, whilst another said, “I enjoyed mumbling like gorillas the most!” A third chose “performing at Huddersfield Town Hall and the applause” as high points, whilst the workshops’ beneficial effect was pinpointed by one commenter: “I learnt how not to be scared performing in front of people.”

The 2009 festival may be over but hcmf’s Learning and Participation work continues into the new year, with ongoing Creative Keyboard Workshops and Piano Surgeries providing opportunities for people of all ages to learn the instrument or brush up rusty skills. February 2010 will also see the arrival of the Keyboard Choreography Collection, a music and dance project led by Hugh Nankivell.

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