Classical Preview: Savage arts cuts brings survival of the fittest

Steve Crowther, the concerts administrator of the Late Music Concerts, one of the most indispensable modern music showcases, says: “The economic climate has completely changed, and the cuts being made in public funding of the arts is savage, but that is the reality in which we must live and learn to survive.” He was looking at the challenges facing the new season opening next Saturday.

“Concert promoters are not going to risk placing new music into their programmes, but that is the point from where we start, every work in our series coming from living composers. We have Arts Council funding for the season, and it is our task to make sure that we generate a growing audience.

“Our message is that we are not here to pamper to musical extremes, but aim to link concert-goers to music of our time with concerts that are affordable when money is tight. The climate is going to be the survival of the fittest.”

With one concert on the first Saturday of every month through to October, Crowther has fashioned innovative programmes featuring leading US and British composers.

The outstanding Bridge Duo open with music for violin or viola with piano accompaniment by Nyman, Parkin, Hind, Power and Crowther; baritone, Robert Rice, and pianist, William Vann, give us songs by Jonathan Harvey, Michael Berkley, and Henri Dutilleux (April 20). The outstanding pianist, Ian Pace (August 6); the Bingham String Quartet (September 3) and the Manchester Chamber Choir (October 1) are future treats.

Bridge Duo, Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate, York, March 5, 7.30pm. Tickets at the door.