The 4th International Composers Festival in Hastings begins on Friday 21st Sept till Sunday 23rd September. Sixty Composers from 15 different countries with 70 works, 200 musicians, and 30 world premieres. For the first time, music composed by 10 female composers from countries including UK, Finland, Cyprus, Australia and Argentina will be performed ……don’t miss out
The artistic director Polo Piatti says the following;

REFLECTING ON THE DIRECTION OF TODAY’S CLASSICAL MUSIC

by the Artistic Director

“For many years now, a strong trend has developed towards the intellectualisation of music. While I recognise and appreciate the importance of progression in classical music it is equally important that music remains accessible to all. Music should beenjoyable, all-inclusive and the possession of everyone. By creating the Composer’s Festival all I want to maximase that inclusiveness and showcase and promote the works of new as well as of established composers that are committed to bring back feelings into classical music. I want to encourage new music that has a deep effect on human emotions by touching people’s hearts, music that evokes and champions genuine beauty, goodness and truthfulness. I am not interested in promoting more “clever” and experimental classical music that seeks to make audiences “think”. On the contrary, I want to help composers that create music that aspires to make audiences feel!”

My friend Soprano Katerina Mina will be performing my Dies Irae as soloist with a Full Symphonic Orchestra

Dies Irae

One of my favourite pieces in any Requiem is the Dies Irae. I wanted to use my imagination …. how would I feel if such an event happened….. what would be my thoughts Thus, the opening lyrics sung by the Soprano begin with “I can’t believe my eyes”. The orchestration of this piece was inspired by a number of well known horror films.