The London Philharmonic Orchestra confirmed Mark-Anthony Turnage
as Composer in Residence in June 2005. In celebration of this relationship the Orchestra is giving a series of performances of his works between January and March 2008, including the London premières of Lullaby for Hans and Riffs and Refrains and concerts as far afield as Seoul, Hong Kong and Taipei.
Turnage is that rare thing: a contemporary composer of conspicuous
originality and integrity who is also a hit with audiences.
His orchestral scores are as at home in FUNharmonics family
concerts as they are in evening concerts alongside Elgar and
Tchaikovsky. They are often audio-visual, great to watch being
played, beautifully orchestrated and seasoned with wistful,
lyrical tunes that meet their assigned instruments with a
touching respect. One of the composer's greatest achievements
is his anchoring of the medium; his orchestra is a musical
organism that is every bit contemporary.
In this specially created focus on the music of Mark-Anthony Turnage, you can explore his soundworld in an audio guide by journalist Stephen Pettitt, find out more about the three works being performed in spring 2008, and hear extracts from the London Philharmonic Orchestra's new Turnage CD, released in February.
And we'll be adding to the site after each London performance, inviting your reactions and reflections as well as bringing you the views of the critics.
We hope you enjoy getting to know the exhilarating and varied music of Mark-Anthony Turnage.
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