Gone to See the Queen

Gone to See the Queen

Older, wiser composers have been telling me for years that life is easier for us in Europe. It’s a tantalizing prospect, but is the grass really greener?

Written By

Colin Holter

When this post goes online, I’ll be on a plane to London. I’m moving there for about a year to study at Brunel University, during which time I’ll be on leave from the University of Minnesota. Although I’m leaving AMC jurisdiction, you’ll still be hearing from me every week, same bat time, same bat channel. And I think I’m going to have a lot to talk about.

Older, wiser composers have been telling me for years that life is easier for us in Europe. It’s a tantalizing prospect, but is the grass really greener? We’ll see. I do know that many of my favorite new music specialists are closer at hand in the UK than they are out here, so at the very least I hope to catch a few more performances over there than I have in the States. Not to mention, of course, the new educational opportunities, which I expect will be many and varied. Plus I’ve never been to the UK before, and I’m really looking forward to it on a tourist-type level as well. I promise I’ll try not to rubberneck around Piccadilly Circus with a disposable camera and a fanny pack, though.

There are a couple of events I’m especially excited for, events that I’ll be sure to report on in greater detail as they go down. First and foremost is the Klang Festival, which takes place in early November at the Southbank Centre. This Karlheinztravagana includes many UK premieres alongside older pieces brought to you by such pros as the Asko Ensemble and the London Sinfonietta.

Later in November is the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival. Brunel professor Christopher Fox is a featured artist at this year’s festival; although I’ve read many of Fox’s writings on music, I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’t heard more than one or two of his pieces, so this should be a great chance to catch up.

First, though, I have to pack. So if you’ll excuse me…

P.S. First the gymnasts, now this. Can an embargo be far off?