City Summer Sounds Festival returns for 2023

City Summer Sounds, the annual music festival from the Department of Performing Arts at City, University of London returns in 2023 across May and June to celebrate its community of performers and composers.

The series includes work by City undergraduate and postgraduate students, staff, and resident ensembles, alongside special guests. This year’s instalment presents new commissions and world premieres, unique collaborations, and electronic music from the Department of Performing Arts’ world-class sound studios.

Highlights to look out for include a piano recital by Professor Ian Pace with works by Liszt and Skryabin, and Pascal Dusapin’s Études, and a concert by 97 Ensemble which presents a diverse range of music from female composers of Iranian heritage.

The work of City's sound studios, a centre of excellence and innovation in electronic and digital sound and music since 1975, will be represented by concerts of fresh audiovisual work by our students in From the City Studios, alongside ambitious new work by City composers Dr Erik Nyström and Dr Tullis Rennie.

Resident gamelan ensembles will present two contrasting evenings of music from Bali, played by Lila Cita, and West Java, played by Sekar Enggal. Sekar Enggal’s concert also features a special collaboration with acclaimed jazz trumpet player Byron Wallen.

City's vibrant music activities will be represented with new music by postgraduate composers and performers, while talented undergraduate performers will present their end-of-year recitals across three days.

All concert events are free to attend and open to the public. Please see the web listings for details and booking forms.

Dr Lesley Main, Head of the Department of Performing Arts at City, said:

“Performance and the presentation of exceptionally creative new work has been a key part of the Department of Performing Arts’ ethos and contribution to musical culture for decades.

This year’s festival once again demonstrates the vibrant range of music that continues to be made at City. Our concert series has attracted critical acclaim, the attention of broadcasters such as BBC Radio 3, a wide range of superb international guest artistes and strong support from the musical community of London and further afield.

About the Department of Performing Arts

The Department of Performing Arts brings together the prestigious musical theatre training provider, Urdang, with the renowned music provision which has been a part of City’s fabric for more than 45 years.

Music courses are regularly reviewed to make sure they offer distinct industry relevant education. City’s BSc Music, Sound and Technology has recently been reaccredited and highly commended by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support).

All performing arts courses at City are taught by internationally renowned experts and leading practitioners in their fields, and students are among the most satisfied in London.

ENDS