THE Martin Read Foundation’s support for young composers was publicly hailed as “unique within the UK” at its fourth annual Festival of Contemporary Music.

Reporting on the musical extravaganza at Alton College on April 22, Martin’s wife, Beccy Read wrote: “This inspiring day was filled with musical discoveries, from scratch rehearsals of contemporary pieces in the morning to their performance in the early evening; and from the afternoon masterclass-style workshop of the Martin Read Foundation’s awarded young composers’ commissions to their early evening premieres, Music for Now was an event in true Martin Read fashion: energising, thought-provoking, inclusive, and leaving you wanting more – all with a hint of humour.

“This win-win day included past Martin Read students coming together to give an energised performance of Steve Reich’s Electric Counterpoint, directed by Pande Shahov; amateur singers and instrumentalists rehearsing and performing together anew; old friends in the audience creating new connections; families of the Martin Read Foundation’s awarded young composers witnessing their offspring’s success - and what incredible discoveries those young composers were!

“Oren Velasquez-Hirtenstein, 17, benefitting from a second year of support through the Martin Read Foundation, whose use of harmony grows ever more mature and confident; James Edwards, 16, of Horndean School and Hampshire Youth Band, only the fourth piece he had written, yet comfortable writing in many different styles, with a clear sense of drama; and Jack Robinson, 14, from London, bringing a deep sense of meaning and atmosphere to the words of his song.

“Lyrics of their songs were by First World War poets, marking 100 years since the end of the Great War. Performing with sensitivity and skill were Nicholas Bosworth (piano) and Philip Smith (baritone), who had both worked with Martin on his opera Rainforest. Watch those young composers with interest – they will go far!

“First-off - a repeat of their premieres at Grange Festival’s open day, April 29. Other festival musical experts to mention were: Howard Skempton - composer, patron and masterclass leader; David Gibson – choir director, typically achieving the near-impossible with music (by Skempton and Read) so challenging as to never previously have been done from scratch; Ali Willis – skilled accompanist; and Joel Knee and Alex Ling – Alton College alumni, composers of gems for flexible ensemble, who ably directed their own pieces.

“Accolades abounded, and all were left looking forward to Festival 2019.”

In planning ahead, Mrs Read added: “The Martin Read Foundation was excited to read in the Herald, April 19, of lobbying by Alton’s performing arts community for the old brewery site to become an arts centre!”

For more details, visit martinreadfoundation.org.