Liminal at The Queen's Hall: The Queen’s Hall announces its first Associate Artist in Residence: Michael Begg
We are delighted to welcome experimental musician and composer Michael Begg to The Queen’s Hall family.
Michael will be working with us through 2020 to develop the LIMINAL programme; a series of performances and development events exploring the crossover territories of classical and experimental music.
As well as LIMINAL ‘showcase’ performances featuring special invited guests, and Michael’s own Black Glass Ensemble, there will be LIMINAL NIGHTS in The Queen’s Hall bar in which artists present new works in progress, new experiments, new collaborations, in an informal, intimate environment. Also programmed, will be a number of LIMINAL LABS: a series of exploratory investigations into the territory where data, composition, sound art and programming come together. The Liminal Labs open the door to new partnerships with staff and students at the University of Edinburgh and Napier University.
Michael Begg: “With Liminal, I am attempting to draw together folk who have an interest in identifying new musical approaches for the anthropocene. The structure of the programme allows for an incredibly wide palette to come in to play, including geophysical and environmental data, programming, sonification, playful experimenting, as well as the exceptional musicianship and spirit of generosity I expect to run through the programme.
(Michael Begg)“I have always resisted the commonly held notion that experimental approaches should be contained within the margins of culture. It is hugely significant, therefore, that this activity should be supported by The Queen’s Hall – the very embodiment of a trusted and established capital venue. And to have the proposal enabled by Creative Scotland’s open lottery funding is an incredible opportunity. I am deeply indebted to all concerned who have helped bring Liminal to light.”
Evan Henderson, Chief Executive of The Queen’s Hall says, “2019 marks the 40th anniversary of The Queen’s Hall opening as a music venue. As we look towards the next phase of the Hall’s life, we’re expanding our horizons through new artistic directions to encourage new audiences to engage with us, whilst continuing to programme across all musical genres for our existing audiences. I’m excited to be able to have someone of Michael’s stature work with us on this over a year and look forward to seeing where it takes us.”
This project has been made possible through open lottery funding from Creative Scotland. Alan Morrison, Head of Music for Creative Scotland, says, “Michael Begg is one of Scotland’s most innovative and emotionally affecting musicians. His work bridges science and art, classical and contemporary, breaking new ground while thrilling audiences with a live in-the-moment experience. Creative Scotland is proud to support this unique and ambitious combination of artist and venue. Liminal puts The Queen’s Hall at the centre of Scotland’s experimental music scene – and pushes Scotland’s experimental music scene into a global spotlight.”
Details of the Liminal showcase performances and Labs will be published in early 2020.
A full press release is available to download below.
