The Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival (hcmf//) unveils a diverse and forward-thinking program for its 46th edition, a transformative venture into novel sonic realms. Commencing on 17th November, the festival offers over 50 intricate events, characterized by world and UK premieres, encompassing performances, installations, and exhibitions, blending auditory and visual art forms to create unique aesthetic experiences.

Unveiling Unique Soundscapes

This autumn, the esteemed hcmf// opens the gates to a plethora of innovative auditory experiences from 17 to 26 November. The West Yorkshire town of Huddersfield will immerse in over 50 remarkable events, including 20 world premieres and 34 UK premieres, tailored to evoke profound sensorial reflections.

Inaugural Brilliance: PERSONHOOD

The festival inaugurates with the UK premiere of PERSONHOOD by the eminent composer Jennifer Walshe, performed by the distinguished Oslo Sinfonietta. Walshe’s residency is an integral facet of a three-year collaboration with Culture Ireland, showcasing her varied artistic oeuvre, including her 2020 creation, Ireland: A Dataset, and an exquisite display at Huddersfield Art Gallery.

Artistic Mosaics and Co-Curations

Festival director Graham McKenzie applauds Jennifer’s prolonged alliance with the festival, highlighting her monumental contributions over the years. This year’s repertoire, co-curated with the composer, strives to mirror the multifaceted dimensions of her current artistic endeavors, offering a versatile array of programs. The festival also unveils The Current Climate, a project co-commissioned by hcmf//, New Music Dublin, and sound festival. It is a fusion of artistic ensembles exploring sustainable musical narratives in a rapidly changing climate, supported by Culture Ireland and PRS Foundation Beyond Borders.

Lithuanian Sonic Innovations

The Lithuanian Culture Institute and Music Information Centre Lithuania continue their partnership, premiering exceptional works by Lithuanian composers Arturas Bumšteinas and Žibuoklė Martinaitytė, adding a unique sonic texture to the festival’s diverse palette. Laura Bowler’s ADVERT stages a potent narrative around self-advertisement, mental health, gender, and political affiliation, with Bowler herself performing alongside live tattoo artist Julia Rehme, exploring unconventional mediums in contemporary music.

Celebrating Jürg Frey

Swiss composer Jürg Frey is celebrated with dedicated programming, immersing audiences in his intricate compositions and offering profound reflections on the art of sound, resonating his enduring influence in contemporary music circles.