Colin has recently won the BBC Musicians Union award for the Outstanding Musician of the Year. The Contemporary Music Ensemble, which rehearses on Wednesday afternoons, gives two formal concerts each year. The ensemble reflects the Department's acknowledged expertise in twentieth-century studies. It has given a number of first performances by both student and established composers. Its repertoire has a wide stylistic base, including works by Ligeti, Berio, Cardew, Reich, Ives, Monk, Riley, Feldman, Cage and Bryars.
Entry is by audition.
Two members of staff adjudicate which works will be performed. The premier series of lunchtime concerts will occur on Wednesdays throughout the first two terms. Offerings range from solo recitals to ensemble performances by both students and professional musicians. Students are asked to supply programmes for the following year by June and are then contracted to perform. In addition students are encouraged to put on their own recitals and should liaise with the Concerts Administrator if they wish to do so.