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BBC Commissions 25 Compositions For 2025

By Sara Schabas on January 27, 2025

25 for 25: Sounds of the Century
Top L- Bottom R (clockwise) Nkeiru Okoye, Jasper Dommett, Elena Kats-Chernin, Karl Jenkins, Anna Clyne and Kieran Brunt

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.

Sara Schabas
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