Support Hilda Parede's visionary new Sound Investment piece: The Young Person's Guide to the Contemporary Ensemble. 

Like Britten’s famous work of similar title, The Young Person’s Guide to the Contemporary Music Ensemble will introduce younger audiences to contemporary music, its instruments, the sounds they make, and the thoughts and feelings that produce new ideas.

When composing, Paredes' treats instruments as if they were characters in a play. It is this approach she intends to use when structuring The Young Person’s Guide to the Contemporary Music Ensemble, each instrument prominent at different stages throughout the course of the piece. This will create distinctive sections for each instrument or group of instruments, creating a musical dramaturgy that will help young audiences identify different instruments and their techniques, as well as firing their imaginations. 

BCMG sees a huge opportunity in working with this commission to build on the work we already do with young people, in and out of school. We believe that making contemporary music accessible will help ensure the next generation of contemporary music composers, performers, audiences, and supporters... like you!

The Young Person's Guide to the Contemporary Music Ensemble will educate and inspire, helping young people discover their passion for music.

BCMG Musicians (Flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trombone, tuba, harp, percussion, violin, viola, cello and double bass) will rehearse at CBSO Centre ahead of the World Premiere at Birmingham Town Hall. This venue has been specially chosen due to it's adaptability and capacity to host a 360 degree performance, which will complement the way that movement is incorporated into the piece.

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Support The Young Person's Guide to the Contemporary Music Ensemble today and get: 

• Behind-the-scenes updates & priority news
• An invitation to rehearsals & first performance reception
• Your name in the score (£150+ Sound Investor level up)
• Opportunity to buy a score signed by the composer

Hear first

As a supporter, you will receive behind-the-scenes updates on the piece, from the composer and BCMG.

You'll hear first about exciting developments with the music and be invited to a reception at the world premiere.

Attend rehearsals

There’s something magic about being in the room as a new piece is prepared for its first-ever performance.

We’ve heard this time and again from hundreds of supporters across the years. Rehearsals provide unparalleled access to the music. 

For £20, you'll be a Note Maker and invited to an open rehearsal. 

Sound Investors and up get to attend ALL rehearsals, including the first (many think this is the best - the music has never been heard before!).

Named in the score

For £150, you will be thanked personally in the first pages of the score. 

Whenever and wherever the piece is played again you'll be recognised for your part bringing it into existence! 

ALL supporters, at all levels, get the chance to purchase a score, signed by the composer. 

These are exclusive perusal scores available only for supporters.

Commissioners get all of this, and more – special opportunities to meet the composer and an invitation to a BCMG VIP event.

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Choose your journey

Now choose your level of support. Scroll down for all benefits.

To set up a regular donation please specify under 'Other' the monthly amount you wish to give. 

Minimum monthly donation of £15 for 10 months.

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Benefits

All Sound Investment benefits relate to your chosen commission. Any funds raised in excess of the commission cost will go towards the cost of the performance.

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Note Maker

£20 and up or minimum £5 per month*

As a Note Maker you will receive the following benefits:

• Updates on the composer and the progress of their work
• Invitation to one rehearsal and special reception at the premiere
• Opportunity to purchase a signed score

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Sound Investor

£150 and up or minimum £15 per month*

As a Sound Investor you will receive all the benefits of a Note Maker, plus:

• Invitation to rehearsals of your piece
• Thanked for support in the score
• A signed copy of the score cover received at the premiere

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Commissioner

£500 and up or minimum £50 per month*

Commissioners receive all the benefits of a Sound Investor, plus:

• Special opportunity to meet the composer and/or performers
• Invitation to one VIP event
• Special season review letter from BCMG’s Artistic Director

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*for a minimum of 10 months