Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s (BCMG) Sound Investment programme is this month celebrating the completion of its seventy-fifth commission. The programme was the UK’s first crowdfunded scheme for classical music, and aims to raise money to support living composers through the commissioning of new music. Commenting on Sound Investment, BCMG Artistic Director Stephen Newbould said: “When we set up Sound Investment in 1991 it was ahead of the time. This was the era before the internet, and the term ‘crowdfunding’ wasn’t yet common parlance. The scheme has allowed us to commission a great number of composers, giving established names free reign to try new, creative ideas, and giving a step up to others who’re right at the start of their career. I truly believe that it’s been essential in keeping contemporary classical music alive and vibrant in this country.” The seventy-fifth Sound Investment commission - Gerald Barry’s Crossing The Bar - is being performed at Birmingham’s CBSO Centre on Friday 27 February.
Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s (BCMG) Sound Investment programme is this month celebrating the completion of its seventy-fifth commission. The programme was the UK’s first crowdfunded scheme for classical music, and aims to raise money to support living composers through the commissioning of new music. Commenting on Sound Investment, BCMG Artistic Director Stephen Newbould said: “When we set up Sound Investment in 1991 it was ahead of the time. This was the era before the internet, and the term ‘crowdfunding’ wasn’t yet common parlance. The scheme has allowed us to commission a great number of composers, giving established names free reign to try new, creative ideas, and giving a step up to others who’re right at the start of their career. I truly believe that it’s been essential in keeping contemporary classical music alive and vibrant in this country.” The seventy-fifth Sound Investment commission - Gerald Barry’s Crossing The Bar - is being performed at Birmingham’s CBSO Centre on Friday 27 February.