The north-east will soon be alive with the sound of music as a popular annual festival gets under way.
Sound Festival was officially launched yesterday at the Maritime Museum in Aberdeen.
The event, which is in its 12th year, aims to bring the best of contemporary music to the Granite City and the surrounding area.
Among the highlights will be a homage to two celebrated 20th century composers, Pierre Boulez and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, the latter of whom died in March.
And, for the first time in its history, the festival will have its own composer in residence, John De Simone.
Mr De Simone, who is the grandson of John MacCormick one of the founders of the SNP, has created new compositions for this year’s festival, as well as the 2017 and 2018 events.
He said: “I welcome the opportunity that the residency offers to develop a significant body of work. Having the time and space to develop a practice is a rare opportunity for any composer.
“I’m looking forward to reflecting and innovating, through writing for new modes, collaborations and instrumental combinations.”
Fiona Robertson, the festival director, added: “Commissions are at the heart of new music and we have always been committed to working with and where possible commissioning new work from Scottish and international composers.
“Through the composer-in-residence initiative, we will be able to develop a much deeper musical relationship with one composer.
“We are excited to set out on this fascinating journey together.”
Sound runs from October 20 to November 6. For more information visit www.sound-scotland.co.uk
