Workers Union Ensemble
Workers Union Ensemble initially came together in 2008 whilst studying at Guildhall School of Music for a performance of Louis Andriessen's epic work of the same name. Since graduating they have gradually evolved into the unusual seven-piece line-up of oboe, saxophone, piano, double bass, two percussionists and conductor. The ensemble line-up has elicited a wide range of responses from young and established composers including Joe Cutler, Kate Whitley, Jay Capperauld, Mic Spencer, Daniel Saleeb, Adam Fergler, Oliver Sellwood, David Ibbett and Michael Finnissy. They have formed particularly close relationships with their three composers in association Matthew Kaner (2013), Ryan Latimer (2014) and Seán Clancy (2015).
Performance highlights include festivals (Huddersfield Hubshorts 2009, Guildhall New Music 2011, Sounds New 2012) and concert series (Birmingham Conservatoire Frontiers 2013, Leeds University 2011 & 2015, University of Sussex 2015, University of Southampton 2012, 2013 & 2015, Nonclassical 2013). The ensemble was awarded funding by the PRS for Music Foundation to undertake their ‘Constructing a Repertoire’ commissioning programme, inaugural call for works and Autumn 2013 tour. In February 2015 they completed a four-date UK tour, supported by Sound and Music, performing Simon Steen-Andersen’s On And Off And To And Fro alongside five newly commissioned works. The ensemble have also worked with a wide range of student composers in workshops around the UK.
Aside from the New Dots project other 2016 plans include a collaborative venture with Swedish guitar quartet Krock.
http://www.workersunionensemble.co.uk