UYMP is thrilled to hear that Jo Kondo has been announced as the 55th recipient of the Suntory Music Award, hosted by Suntory Foundation for the Arts, and offers Professor Kondo many congratulations. This award is granted to individuals who have contributed notably to the development of Western-style music in Japan; the awarding committee felt that "since his sen no ongaku (linear music) series exactly half a century ago, Jo Kondo has continued to enlighten Japanese audiences and musicians on a profound level with his works and writings". UYMP would of course like to echo the statement that "this year presents an excellent opportunity to honor this composer, who has continued to work with an intellect and integrity rarely seen in the world today".

We are absolutely delighted that the documentary made of house composer Sadie Harrison’s PASTURE & STORM PROJECT (New Repertoire for left hand alone pianists) has been accepted by several international film festivals for release in Spring 2024. Made by acclaimed filmmaker Chris Frazer Smith, the film documents the composition, rehearsal, recording and premiere of 8 new compositions written for virtuoso left hand pianist Nicholas McCarthy also featuring pianists Tomas Klement, Sophia Benton, the Bristol Ensemble conducted by John Pickard, led by Roger Huckle and singer Peyee Chen. The PASTURE & STORM PROJECT was supported by Arts Council England, the Hinrichsen Foundation, the Ambache Charitable Trust and the RVW Trust. 

UYMP’s friends Late Music York have three concerts coming up for the first weekend of April, at their usual Unitarian Chapel venue, St Saviourgate, York.  David Hammond returns for a recital at 1pm on Friday 5th April.  David will be exploring the piano repertoire of Yorkshire composer Richard Stoker and will also play works by local and regional composers, including Steve Crowther.   The Amabile trio (Lesley Schatzberger (clarinet), Nicola Tait Baxter (cello) and Paul Nicholson (piano) will perform works by Brahms, Louise Farrenc and Steve Crowther at 1pm on Saturday 6th April .  The Saturday 6th April evening concert at 7.30pm will be given by Savva Zverev (violin) and Sid Ramachander (piano), in a programme ranging from Bach to Pärt.