New music inspired by age old Japanese Noh theatre

Noh Music New Music is a collaboration between London based producer Mu:Arts and BCMG featuring the world premieres of two new commissions from British composers Ben Nobuto and Hollie Harding. 

Ben Nobuto is a British/Japanese composer, pianist and producer from Kent. His music explores themes of attention and fragmentation, often drawing from internet culture and popular idioms in a playful, ironic and surreal manner.

In December, Ben and Hollie journey to Tokyo for a intensive week or workshops and performances exploring Noh. This exchange will be led by Mu:Arts and BCMG, with funding from Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation and The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.

Both composers will learn about Noh from its most gifted and experience actors. Then they will compose, new pieces for small ensemble and Noh instruments for a world premiere performance here in Birmingham, with repeat performances at London King's Place for Noh Reimagined June 2024. 

Key Information:

Title: TBC

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Instrumentation: flute, up to 3 non tuned percussion instruments, plus up to four other instruments to be confirmed (inspired by the traditional instruments of Noh, mainly flute and percussive sounds). 

World Premiere Date: June 2024, Birmingham

Noh Workshop with traditional Noh actors: Autumn 2023, Birmingham

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Ben Nobuto's research trip to Tokyo is kindly supported by Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation and The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation: