Birtwistle at 80: Knussen / BCMG

‘In the whole world there is nothing but the scent of red clover and nothing more’. Jaan Kaplinski’s poems exploring the power of nature and ‘the year’s dead end’ found particular resonance with Harrison Birtwistle, who turned four of them into songs in 1991 and are here performed by Katrine Baerts and the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group as the centerpiece of a concert celebrating the composer’s 80th birthday. Focusing on the fascinating rhythms and textures of Birtwistle’s chamber works and songs, the BCMG also include the composer’s recent creation Fantasia on all the Notes, a fiercely argued chamber piece that proves Birtwistle’s mind remains as fertile and original as ever.

Tickets: £10-20