On 28 March, the Colin Currie Group returns to the Southbank Centre to perform the UK premiere of Mark-Anthony Turnage New England Etudes, co-commissioned by Colin Currie. This programme will also feature Steve Reich Music for Pieces of Wood and Julia Wolfe Dark Full Ride.

Incorporating a variety of traditional instruments throughout its six movements, New England Etudes takes inspiration from the composer’s interest in jazz, evident in the swinging lilt of the opening bars, as well as the groove-based and funk-inspired sections. The fifth movement, entitled ‘Bells for Ukraine’, stands apart from the others in its solemnity.

This follows the group’s hugely successful 2022/23 season, during which they premiered Steve Reich Traveler’s Prayer in the US, with both their Carnegie Hall and Zellerbach Hall debuts and in Japan, in a return to Tokyo Opera City.