Describe the ensemble and its aims.

Red Note ensemble is a group which performs, commissions and develops new music and music from the 20th century. We encourage the creation of new music from primary school children to the most revered living classical composers . We aim to take this music to as many ears as possible and play throughout Scotland, the UK, Europe and further afield. 

Performing - and commissioning - new music has plenty of challenges, but also can be very satisfying.  What is it about performing new music that keeps you excited and inspired?

The ethos of the group is to give equal care and attention to every piece we play and this brings huge satisfaction to the musicians to help facilitate amazing musical experiences for the widest spectrum of creators.

What has been your most memorable performance from the last year?

Certainly the most satisfying and most challenging performance was at the Huddersfield Festival, giving the premier of a big new James Dillon piece to a sold-out hall and on radio 3. There was also a great moment for me when introducing some foreign students from our 'Advanced Academy' to some adults with multiple disabilities in music improvisation workshops and seeing the looks on their faces as everyone was drawn into the music!

If you could commission a new work from any historical composer in collaboration from a living artist, who would it be and why?

I would commission a 6th cello sonata from Beethoven and perform it with Radu Lupu on piano!

http://rednoteensemble.com/