This festival has a small number of quite idiosyncratic aims, working within the general field of contemporary concert music.
Planet Tree Music offers music that is contemporary but harmonious, experimental yet accessible. The more tonal end of the spectrum, less than the more aggressive, more predominantly intellectual aspects. Music that deals dominantly with the brighter side of musical expression.
Music of long duration is especially favoured. In 1998, the UK premiere of "For Philip Guston" (4 hours long) by Morton Feldman was presented. Under-recognised composers - particularly those who have sought beauty and the innovative at the expense of "career" as a composer.
Music linking with other artistic media, eg with poets, painters, with computer graphics. Links with other musical genres, eg Indian or Moroccan ethnic music, or with jazz, rock or other idioms, but not to dilute the main aim as one of new concert music.
"Uncompromising in its artistic integrity, this festival is a rare and cherished event" - Terry Riley
".....the ever progressive Planet Tree Music Festival." - The Observer
Festival Director - Lawrence Ball
This festival celebrates particularly: Alan Hovhaness's centenary year and Lawrence Ball's 60th birthday year
The British debut of Italian pianist Alessandra Celletti, who will play a solo piano concert of Erik Satie, Lawrence Ball, Gurdjieff and her own compositions
A centenary year celebration concert of solo piano music of Alan Hovhaness, the unacknowledged inventor of world music, who brought exotic and profound ancient cultures into chamber and orchestral music, with Mark Swartzentruber and Alessandra Celletti Plus a performance of his "Saturn" for voice, clarinet and piano by Trio D'Angelo.
The 60th birthday year celebration of the music of Lawrence Ball with guest artistes: soprano voice Rosie Forbes-Butler, Sri Lankan vocal maestro Manickam Yogeswaran, concert pianists Mark Swartzentruber and Alessandra Celletti
An exciting concert of poly-influenced world music created by composer/musician/sound designer Camilo Tirado
James D'Angelo (piano) presents a concert of music by Arvo Part, Hovhaness, Jean Catoire, and James D'Angelo with DerShin Hwang, mezzo and Stephen Bennett, clarinet
TO BOOK: 0208 348 5050
OR GO TO: The Red Hedgehog - box office
OR READ FURTHER: click 2011festival in left panel