We are grateful that the Arts Council England has recognised the immense contribution that BCMG makes to the contemporary music scene in Birmingham, nationwide and indeed internationally, and has continued to list us as one of their National Portfolio Organisations. Their support will enable us to continue with our ground-breaking work, bringing together composers and performers from different backgrounds and ethnicities, providing opportunities for diverse groups across Birmingham, Bristol and beyond to participate in musically enriching projects, and commissioning new works from talented composers both emerging and established.

Stephan Meier, Artistic Director and CEO has said: 

                “As a trail-blazing, Birmingham-based music ensemble, BCMG has brought the best of contemporary music to the West Midlands and beyond. Our Arts Council England funding enables the Group to continue supporting the composers of today, whilst developing the performers and composers of tomorrow with our innovative, community-based activities. I want to thank the ACE for their continued support and look forward to working towards our joint goals over the next three years.”

In the last year, BCMG has commissioned music from composers Ondřej Adámek, Emily Howard, Daniel Kidane, George Lewis, Julian Anderson, Melinda Maxwell, Frédéric Pattar, Nicolas Tzortzis and Howard Skempton, drawing together artists from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, Germany and the UK to perform music which fuses musical traditions from around the world. Our exciting programme of performances offers a chance to explore the best of new music in non-traditional settings, where performers and audience interact and enjoy music in new ways.

 

 

BCMG also leads the way in bringing young people to music composition and performance, offering opportunities to get involved with composing their own music and working with composers, musicians and specialist workshop leaders to enhance their own creativity. During the Commonwealth Games, our Flourish! programme commissioned fanfare for community groups across Birmingham, and our NEXT cohort of young professional performers continues to build enthusiasm for playing contemporary music. NEXT remains the only year-long training programme for musicians interested in developing skills in contemporary work.

Kenneth Baird, Acting Chair of BCMG has said:

“Thanks to our Arts Council England support, we are now able to welcome more local and national communities, build more opportunities for musicians working in the contemporary field and bring the widest possible range of music to the widest possible audience. At the BCMG we love to innovate and I am delighted that the ACE has recognised the important role BCMG plays in new music and in acting as an international ambassador for the cultural sector in the West Midlands.”

Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England said:

"We're delighted to be supporting BCMG over the next three years. The group plays an important part in Birmingham's vibrant cultural scene, and it will be great to see our funding supporting the creation of new music that can be enjoyed by people of all ages from across the city and beyond."

 

See what we have coming up at BCMG