The positive response to last year's programme, from both critics and audiences, has been overwhelming. In 2006 we set out to broaden the festival's definition of contemporary music and ‘diversity' was the key word. This year we want to continue that spirit and policy of openness.

To some, the programme this year may represent a conscious return to composed or notated music - others will see the emphasis as being on electronics, improvisation and other forms of experimentation. In a sense they will all be right. The classification of music and its practitioners, in today's multi-media and multi-faceted artistic landscape, becomes an ever increasing futile and meaningless task. Narrow categorisation is no longer how today's performers and artists feel, think, or approach their work.

For 2007 we have chosen to celebrate our 30th birthday with some ‘old friends' and giants of European contemporary music - but present them in new and different contexts. German supergroup, musikFabrik, perform within the sensory structures created by HCMF Composer in Residence Yannis Kyriakides, while the phenomenal Ardittis team up with experimental guitarist Fred Frith.

There is a strong Dutch emphasis to the programme this year. Holland has long provided a personal inspiration and education to me when it comes to contemporary music(s) and in particular ‘free improvisation'. Composer in Residence Yannis Kyriakides is one of the brightest talents to emerge on the European scene, while I am particularly pleased to welcome back the superb Nieuw Ensemble. My thanks go to our Dutch partners - Gaudeamus, Donemus, the Dutch Jazz Connection, FAPK, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, London - for their enthusiasm, support, and commitment in making this celebration of Dutch music a reality.

Increasingly, electronics and new emerging technologies play a vital role in contemporary music. This is highly evident throughout the programme and is best encapsulated by a UK debut for Berlin's Ensemble Mosaik working with ‘open source' electronics, at the very outer edges of current electro-acoustic techniques and practices.

Finally, this is music that demands to be ‘seen' - not simply heard! There is an emphasis on ‘audio-visual' and interactive media, but in addition, elsewhere in the programme its roots are firmly steeped in the aesthetics of live art or performance art.

Enjoy the festival, and together let's take the first steps towards the next thirty years.

Best Wishes

Graham McKenzie
Artistic Director & Chief Executive