Dark Sun

Renowned composer and teacher Stephen Montague will lead the workshop and focus on his composition Dark Sun. Conceived for large orchestra and chorus, Dark Sun was written to commemorate the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima at the end of the Second World War and is receiving many performances in 2005, the 60th anniversary of this world-changing event.

Stephen Montague's works are widely performed and feature regularly in major international festivals including the BBC Proms. In addition, he is a virtuoso pianist and inspiring teacher dedicated to widening participation in new music. He worked for many years with John Cage and was the Artistic Director of last year's Musicircus at the Barbican Theatre, London.

The day will culminate at 5.00pm with an open performance of Dark Sun alongside other new works for amateurs.

Amateur and professional instrumentalists and singers are all welcome. Places are subject to availability and cost £2 for adults and £1 for under eighteens.

For further information contact:

• Ann Claxton (COMA) - 0117 950 7404 or ann@266henburyroad.fsnet.co.uk or
• Ruth Hill 0117 954 5032 or ruth.hill@bris.ac.uk

The workshop is organised by COMA (Contemporary Music-making for Amateurs) in association with the University of Bristol. COMA provides opportunities for amateur musicians of all abilities to take part in contemporary music-making. It is supported by Arts Council England, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the PRS Foundation and the Britten-Pears Foundation.