Nathan shortlisted to represent Wales at the ISCM World Music Days 2023
Tŷ Cerdd is proud to announce the composers and works that have been selected by the Welsh Section of the ISCM (International Society of Contemporary Music) to represent Wales at the 2023 ISCM World New Music Days Festival, which will be held in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, between 24 November and 3 December 2023.
The Wales panel selected a shortlist of six composers’ works/proposals as the official submission to the international jury:
- Bethan Morgan-Williams: Voices Go With You (2021) for alto flute, cello, percussion, piano
- Joseph Graydon: Ophelia (2022) for violin and piano
- Kiko Litang Shao: The leaf says… (2022) for mixed octet
- Richard Barrett: until you are that ghost (2022) for soprano, flute, clarinet
- Richard McReynolds: 12123 (2023) for live electronics
- Nathan James Dearden: i breathe (2021) for SATB choir
About the announcement, Nathan comments: "i breathe holds a really special place in my heart, as it reflects the amazing work of young musicians from across the country and our engagement with the landscapes we love and protect. I am honoured to have it shortlisted to represent Wales for the ISCM World Music Days 2023, and look forward to continuing my relationship with the ISCM community."
The selection process
At least one of the six works included in our national submission will be performed during the festival (the international jury can, however, select more than one of these works).
Over 40 submissions were received from Welsh and Wales-based composers, across 12 categories. The announcement of the work selected for performance across the ten-day event is expected in the summer. World New Music Days 2023 will provide an important platform for the selected composer, and a key opportunity for the profile of Wales, its composers and new music scene.
The jury was struck by the number and quality of the submissions and by the stylistic range, which provided a striking insight into the range of work being written in Wales, as well as further afield by Welsh composers.
ISCM Welsh Section
ISCM Welsh exists to promote the aims of the ISCM, both within Wales, and in co-operation with the British, Irish, Scottish and other, international Sections. The Society aims to promote contemporary music and raise its public profile, through effective global networking, communication and facilitation of multilateral activities between the members.
Its mission is to:
Raise the profile of contemporary music through the collective strength of the Society’s global network and membership makeup.
Pursue exposure, research and performance of contemporary music through initiatives by its membership, as well as collaboration with affiliated bodies.
Showcase the diversity of contemporary music worldwide through the World New Music Days Festival.