Composer Deirdre Gribbin makes a theatrical on-stage appearance in her violin concerto, Venus Blazing.

Described by The Guardian as 'less a terrestrial concert than an interplanetary event', magical lighting sets the scene as Gribbin appears as an otherworldly 'master of ceremonies'. The audience is guided through her music with striking lighting effects and aurora colours into an astronomical fantasy world.

The violin soloist is Ernst Kovacic with the Britten Sinfonia under conductor Pierre-André Valade.

The work is performed on a Contemporary Music Network tour of England and Wales during February/March 2005. The programme also features James MacMillan's tone poem, The Road to Ardtalla, and I (A Meditation on Iona).

The tour commences on 22 February in Cambridge, and visits Coventry, Liverpool and London, concluding on 2 March in Cardiff.

For tour dates and venues, visit the Calendar. Further information from the Contemporary Music Network web site.

Posted: 7 February 2005