BBC Commissions 25 Compositions For 2025

The British Broadcasting Corporation has launched ‘25 for 25: Sounds of the Century’, which includes 25 commissions for BBC ensembles and New Generation artists.

In with the new: Marking the first quarter of the 21st century, the British Broadcasting Corporation has commissioned 25 compositions for its ensembles and New Generation artists. Their ‘25 for 25: Sounds of the Century’ program includes compositions inspired by notable British events of the 21st century, which will be performed between January 25th and July 12th. The events range from 9/11 to the London 2012 Olympics to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Anna Clyne’s composition ‘The Eye’ played by the BBC Philharmonic launches the series.

Digging deeper: Many of the compositions in the BBC’s series reflect on social and technological changes in our world over the past quarter century. Elena Kats-Chernin’s piece for the BBC Scottish Symphony reflects on England’s Marriage Act for same-sex couples, while Jasper Dommett’s piece for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales reflects on the creation of the smartphone.

Each composition meditates on different events or people that have shaped the UK’s national identity since the year 2000. Perhaps other countries (like Canada) might consider following suit.

Author
Recent Posts

Sara Schabas

Sara Schabas is a Dora-nominated soprano, writer and yoga teacher. She has performed and created leading roles with companies including Vancouver Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria, the Dayton Opera, and Aspen Opera, and is a former member of Barbara Hannigan’s Equilibrium Young Artists. Currently based in Montreal, she is a doctoral student at McGill University — where she recently received the Wirth Vocal Prize — and editor of Art Song Canada magazine.