BCMG is taking part in the Commonwealth Music Relay. This is an exciting international project with young people around the globe creating and performing music inspired by a newly composed song ‘Symphony’ which you can listen to here.

In BCMG’s Commonwealth Music Relay workshop you will be invited to create your own original composition based on Symphony for three BCMG musicians guided by composer Kirsty Devaney. At the end of the day, there will be a short performance to friends and family and your piece will be uploaded to a virtual music map (see here) alongside music composed and performed by young people from across the world. 

I spoke to Liz from Music Education Solutions about various topics influencing composing in schools. Available on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJQuP2sOrQQ

Presented a research poster on SRHE research available here: https://srhe.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Devaney_Report.pdf

I was invited to give a talk on composing in school in the UK to the Institut für Musikpädagogische Forschung in Germany

Eleven local young composers have been working closely with the RBC Composition Department staff, alumni and students to create new works based on the theme of sustainability. Students have collaborated with composer, performer and environmentalist George West, and electronic artist Dan Cippico (aka Wildforms), as well as a new commissioned piece by YCP/RBC alumnus Charlie Kedge.

Join RBC musicians in celebrating International Women's Day with a concert of music by RBC composers: Liz Dilnot Johnson, Bobbie-Jane Gardner, Kirsty Devaney and Sara Colman. The programme also explores early classical music by Anna Amalia von Pruessen through the distinctive sound world of Elizabeth Maconchy to women composers of the present day. An opportunity to hear works by Nicola LeFanu who is renowned for her compositions of imaginative beauty. Alongside music created by Pauline Oliveros whose experimental approach was rooted in her fundamental desire to show the way toward a world based upon a dynamic peace and compassion.

Drawing on her work as a composer, educator and researcher, Kirsty Devaney will discuss her work around inclusion and representation in the field of composing with a particular focus on gender and socio-economic barriers. As part of the seminar she will share her experiences of establishing and running the Young Composers Project at Royal Birmingham conservatoire for the last 10 years.

Moseley Misfits, an all ability amateur instrumental group based in Moseley, present their annual summer concert at The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. It will feature the premiere of a composition by Kirsty Devaney, as part of Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s Flourish! project. Flourish! commissions new music for Birmingham-based youth and non-professional ensembles and gives them the opportunity to work with composers. The 2023 Flourish! Project is generously funded by Birmingham City Council Creative Cities Legacy Grant.

In the tenth year of this ground-breaking programme, the LSO and its East London partner organisations put music, creativity and community centre-stage once again. Over 150 young musicians and the full might of the London Symphony Orchestra explode onto the Barbican stage. Rhythm and dance are the threads tying together music by Beethoven, John Adams and three brand new works. Plus, see the foyers come to life with live performances before and after the concert.

Fanfare for Gosport acknowledges and celebrates the heritage and people of Gosport, and each movement of the piece reflects an aspect of Gosport. Gosport Solent Brass premiered Fanfare for Gosport. Conducted by the composer, this first public performance took place at the Royal Clarence Yard in the presence of the Mayor of Gosport, Councillor Lynn Hook, and the Chairman of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Keith Chapman.