benlunncomposer

[benlunncomposer]

It was good to reflect on my time in New York for Mise-En Festival, and always good to write in the People's daily The Morning Star

[benlunncomposer]

In a little under two weeks, I'll be off to New York to present a talk I've labelled 'For Radical Optimism'

It feels like the culmination of and most political elements of my PhD - but in more of a rant format

I'm really chuffed that Mise-En Festival have invited me to present - especially given I was one of 1,600 people who applied

[benlunncomposer]

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/marxist-notes-music-ben-lunn-0

"Though many marked Nono’s centenary discussing his musical ingenuity and musical radicalism, we cannot lose sight of his political vision. His significance lies in grasping his understanding that ideology and artistic craft go hand in hand, and that it is the role of the artist to bring the audience with them and use their craft for the good of humanity and fight for a better tomorrow."

[benlunncomposer]

"As Sir Adrian Boult pointed out in the 1930s, the relationship between the state and the arts is complex but the situation we have now is a make-or-break moment. If we fall for the nonsense being fed to us by the Arts Council and their kin, the art form will be lost to the wealthy. If we want the art form to reflect us, and be available to us, the battle should focus on how we demand the brightest and best examples of the art form.

And ultimately, we should recognise that anyone who suggests that opera is not for the working class wants to con you into believing that eating crumbs is the progressive choice."

[benlunncomposer]

Well this is certainly the fanciest thing I've ever been shortlisted for!

The concerto I wrote for Nicholas McCarthy, Pianist 'History needs...' has been shortlisted for the 'Chamber-Scale Composition' prize in the Royal Philharmonic Society awards this year

All a bit mad, but without the great work of Nicholas, Magnus Plejdrup Langaard Moller and Red Note Ensemble this wouldn't have happened!

Hard to put it into words really - but it'll be a really fun night in Manchester!

Also wonderful to see Clare Johnston Music and Eegeru get the recognition they deserve for their wonderful work in the The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh back in August

[benlunncomposer]

Gustav Holst's 150th is a great excuse to write about him in the people's daily - The Morning Star

[benlunncomposer]

Finally got the recording from Eegeru's performance of my Trio Sonata 'Four Cripples'

[benlunncomposer]

Hard to describe how chuffed I am to win the award for New Music Project at the Scottish Awards for New Music 2023!