HUDDERSFIELD CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVAL (hcmf//)

Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival (hcmf//) is an annual international festival of contemporary and new music that takes place over 10 days consisting of approximately 50 events, including concerts, music-theatre, dance, multimedia, talks and film, with a related Learning and Participation programme devised and implemented to reflect the artistic programme and respond to regional need. The Festival was established in 1978.

hcmf// aims to make new music accessible to increasingly varied audiences and participants. The Learning and Participation Programme plays a vital role in forging and developing relationships with a wide variety of local communities and seeks to break down barriers and perceptions surrounding new music. hcmf// offers creative musical experiences for participants whilst providing direct contact with high-profile, high-quality artists. Since 2006, hcmf// has worked with over 7000 participants across over 50 projects ranging from early years children to emerging composers and performers.

hcmf//’s most recent commendation comes via a 2013 British Composer Award for John Surman’s Lifelines. Co-commissioned by BBC Radio 3 and hcmf//, the work for saxophones, piano, organ and Male Voice Choir was developed as part of the Learning and Participation Programme over the course of 2012 with locally based Bolsterstone Male Voice Choir.

"hcmf// is a shining example of global ambition"- Winners citation - Royal Philharmonic Society Awards 2010