Awakening is written by Dai Fujikura (b.1977), one of Japan’s foremost contemporary composers, now based in the UK, and a close friend of Kazuki Yamada (pictured). Fujikura is best known for his orchestral and operatic works; in 2020, his opera A Dream of Armageddon, based on HG Wells’ story of the same name, premiered at the New National Theatre Tokyo and was widely acclaimed. He composes for traditional Japanese instruments as well as European period instruments.

This commission by BCMG continues the recent theme of developing works that encourage music in dialogue – new music that combines instruments from different traditions of the world.

The Shō (笙) is an ancient Japanese reed instrument descended from the Chinese Sheng. It was introduced to Japan during the Nara period (AD 710 to 794) and consists of 17 slender bamboo pipes played with breath. The instrument is said to imitate the call of a phoenix, with its pipes arranged into two symmetrical ‘wings’. Many contemporary artists have used its distinctive and beautiful sound, including Toru Takemitsu, John Cage and Björk.

This special concert, conducted by Kazuki Yamada himself, takes place on 13th April at CBSO Centre.

Dai Fujikura’s new piece for Shō and ensemble is presented by BCMG alongside Unsuk Chin’s (b.1961) Xi, which deals with the time-old concept of energy flow, atomic structures and the construction of large forms using the smallest units of sound. Unsuk Chin is a prominent South Korean composer, now resident in Berlin. This work is conducted by the talented emerging star Nicolò Foron, currently Assistant Conductor with the London Symphony Orchestra.

In a new development for this season, BCMG are inviting audiences to attend a free open rehearsal the day before the main concert.

Marking the overhaul of its Sound Investment scheme – one of the original crowd-funding schemes for classical music – music lovers can get a unique insight into the workings of the rehearsal room.

Sound Investors donate either monthly or on a one-off basis to support the commissioning of new music. One of the benefits of the Sound Investment programme is being able to attend BCMG rehearsals, and this special event with Kazuki Yamada and Dai Fujikura is a taster for people interested in joining the Sound Investment programme. Visitors can meet other Sound Investors and take the opportunity to chat with musicians and performers over coffee during the break.

Stephan Meier, Artistic Director of BCMG, comments “Rehearsals are a fascinating opportunity to see our incredible musicians prepare a brand-new work for its very first performance. Music lovers can take a peek behind the curtain of our process with Kazuki Yamada and Dai Fujikura at a special open rehearsal ahead of our Awakening concert the following day.

“We are excited to be working with these two outstanding figures to bring the sound of the ancient Japanese instrument, the Shō, to Birmingham.”