Welcome to MUSICON 2012/2013

Twelve odd years ago we collectively witnessed the birth of a new Millennium. As with every newborn, joy and astonishment initially prevailed. But for how long? Somehow the teething problems popped up earlier than expected. We may have managed not to throw out the baby with the bathwater, but the wish for an unspoiled youth got washed away rather prematurely. Still, life goes on. And so, as with every child, Millennium Junior will learn how to walk and talk from its exemplary parents – its twentieth century parents – until it is big and strong enough to parade and persuade in its own intrinsic manner.

Twenty years ago, in the year 1992, both Olivier Messiaen and John Cage passed away: how can we look back on them other than by acknowledging that they were the grand parents of twentieth century music? Musicon commemorates their musical legacy this season with numerous concerts, presenting their masterpieces in multiple evening events. Surely it is no exaggeration when I say these concerts are unique for Durham, unique within Durham, but above all: unique thanks to Durham!

Besides these rare solo retrospectives, this year’s concert series features ingredients that have become treasured traditions, deeply rooted in the local community. Annually recurring events, such as the Festival of East Asian Music, are appreciated by our audiences year after year. The fourth edition of this exotic festival will be focusing on vocal repertoire from Korea, China and Japan. We also welcome back the Orlando Consort and the Allegri String Quartet, whose inspired residencies are being generously supported by the Radcliffe Trust.

For years Musicon has been fortunate to star outstanding musicians from all over the UK, Europe and beyond, and this season is no exception. We look forward to seeing you at this season’s exciting concerts!

Dr Richard Rijnvos
Chair of Musicon