The hcmf// shorts programme returns for 2024, showcasing emerging artists, new works and innovative interpretations of contemporary repertoire. Many of these world-class, bite-sized performances turn out to be true highlights of the festival, ranging from concerts with featured composers to successful open call applicants developing their artistry.
These free-to-attend concerts, spread across venues as varied as the performances themselves, comprise a full day at the festival. The 2024 edition of this day-long programme takes place on Monday 18 November.
Full concert details will be available in due course – until then, explore a summary of the day’s proceedings below:
12.00pm | Ligeti Quartet
The ever-evolving quartet present an amplified reimagining of Justė Janulytė’s Circle for a Square (2014).
12.45pm | Heather Roche + Maija Hynninen
Contrabass clarinet meets electronics in this World Premiere inspired by Sawako Nakayasu’s novel Settle Her.
1.20pm | Lina Lapelytė: Ladies
This work for horizontal harps from our Composer in Residence gestures towards the dance-like nature of repetitive labour.
2.10pm | David Sappa
Tactile, hauntological improv with sound object curios sourced from the shores of the River Thames.
3.00pm | Atefeh Einali / Claudia Molitor
An AV work for santoor themed around the bed as home for migrants, followed by a solo performance featuring piano, voice and electronics.
4.30pm | Marie Schreer + Taher Adel
The accomplished violinist performs a new commission from Ashkan Behzadi, setting verses by accompanying poet Taher Adel.
5.10pm | Paul Scully
A new audiovisual piece building on the multidisciplinary artist’s interests in the philosophy of ecology and climate change.
7.00pm | Lina Lapelytė: Pirouette
Conceived for retired ballerina and a saxophonist using circular-breathing techniques, Pirouette is a meditation on aging, movement and displacement.
7.45pm | Wadada Leo Smith: Fire-Love Expanse
Two different methodologies of music-making collide, embrace and co-create in the celebrated trumpeter’s ensemble.
9.15pm | Linda Jankowska
Both a reflection and a question on the nature of the organisation of life through religion, featuring field recordings, literary quotes and electronics.
10.00pm | Steady State
Pianist, composer and technologist Zubin Kanga performs this groundbreaking work by Alexander Schubert using brain sensors and signals.
10.40pm | Furrowed + Alexander Painter
An improvised performance for cello, saxophone, electronics and modified record lathe, impressing grooves onto vinyl as part of a live feedback loop.
11.15pm | Common Objects
Rhodri Davies is joined by Lina Lapelytė, John Butcher, Angharad Davies and Lee Patterson for the World Premiere of Common Objects’ new, collectively devised score.
Photo credit: Jimmy Katz