Julian Anderson’s place at the very heart of contemporary music was further confirmed yesterday by two British Composer Awards.
Fantasias – Orchestral winner
In the orchestral category, Julian’s Fantasias (2009) beat off stiff competition. This highly vibrant and virtuosic work represents Julian’s response to a dream commission from the Cleveland Orchestra. It has since been taken up with enthusiasm by the National Youth Orchestra under Semyon Bychkov (last year’s BBC Proms) and will be featured at a Southbank London Philharmonic Orchestra concert on Saturday 3rd December. The performance will be recorded for future release on the LPO label.
Bell Mass – Liturgical winner
The stunning Bell Mass (2010) for double SATB choir and organ is also a deserving winner, and those at the awards ceremony were treated to a special excerpt of the work recorded by the BBC Singers. The piece was commissioned by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey, as part of the 450th anniversary of the Abbey’s Collegiate Charter, and was premiered by the choir of Westminster Abbey and James O’Donnell in 2010.
The full awards ceremony will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Sunday 4th December at 2 pm.