RWCMD launches WhirlWinds Festival

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama will launch its annual WhirlWinds Festival this week. The festival, which will run from 14 – 16 October celebrates all things woodwind.

The festival will celebrate a range of wind instruments in both classical and jazz styles. British jazz musician Courtney Pine opens the festival with a focus on the bass clarinet before the Orsino Ensemble present two concerts on 15 and 16 October as well as presenting a free masterclass and series of cameos.

RWCMD head of woodwind Robert Plane, who curated the programme as festival director, said: ‘We’ve assembled an incredible line up of artists, one which truly celebrates the breadth and versatility of what it is to be a woodwind player today… This will be an immersive experience for audience and students alike, embracing masterclasses, coaching, and a massed community ensemble for players of all ages, from pre-teens to septuagenarians.’

Plane himself will perform Pierre Boulez’s Dialogue de l’ombre double on 15 October as part of the festival’s free offering, before joining Royal Welsh College Chamber Winds and members of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales for the world premiere of RWCMD alumnus Mark David Boden’s Epitaph of Species.

The festival will also play host to the UK premiere of Nicola LeFanu’s In the Forests of the Night, which will be performed by Royal Welsh College Saxophones. Ceri Rees, director of the Royal Welsh College Big Band, will also lead Community Currents on 16 October, which will combine students from music services across the region with amateurs of all ages.

You can find more information, including tickets here.