BCMG grant doubles

Birmingham Contemporary Music Group has been given a massive vote of confidence by Arts Council England. The ensemble's annual grant will more than double over the next three years, from its current value of £138,000 to £250,000 in 2004-5 and £ 300,000 in 2005-6.

BCMG was founded in 1987 with the encouragement of Sir Simon Rattle when Music Director of the CBSO, and he remains its Artistic Adviser and conducts it regularly. Thomas Adès was Music Director from 1998 to 2000. It is one of Europe's top contemporary music ensembles, known for its superb performing standards, adventurous programming and commitment to involving new audiences in new music. In recent seasons BCMG was awarded Prudential, Royal Philharmonic Society, Gramophone and PRS awards.

Artistic Director Stephen Newbould commented 'This is fantastic news. It will mean more BCMG performances and more new work, an expanded education programme and ambitious new projects to engage audiences with the music of our time.'

Information: www.bcmg.org.uk

Posted: 3 April 2003

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