Composer Of The Month
Alex Heffes
ABOUT
INTERNATIONAL
COMPOSERS
FESTIVAL
A Festival for Everyone
The International Composers Festival is a three-day celebration of new and exciting original music carefully chosen from extraordinary composers.
Around 60 diverse compositions are performed in four concerts at the De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea, in the United Kingdom.
The music is written by living composers from all over the world, many of whom will be attending the concerts.
World-famous musicians and exceptionally talented local performers will come together to form our
70 musicians strong International Festival Orchestra.
Why you should
attend
The Festival offers an ideal opportunity to enjoy breathtaking melodic music and meet the composers and musicians. Our concerts are perfect for everyone, whether you are new to classical music or a serious classical music lover. We care about engaging with the younger generation and wider audiences, offering free tickets for under 18s with paying adults.
In 2022 we focused on diversity and inclusion with artists travelling from all corners of the world to take part. Our family concert was a celebration of diverse song and dance.
By attending these concerts, you are directly supporting composers and performers, and the Festival as a whole.
More about
the music
Composers are invited to submit music that is accessible, and tuneful, such as film and TV scores. The very best works are carefully chosen and are performed by our large International Festival Orchestra, as well as world-renowned solo instrumentalists, ensembles, singers and dancers.
One of the most exciting elements of our Festival is our wide range of artists, from amazing musicians, internationally acclaimed soloists and exceptionally talented local and young performers.
We showcase and premiere works by composers who create melodic orchestral music characterised by passion, sensitivity and emotion.
Festival
documentary
Watch the documentary from
a previous Festival. Enjoy!
WHAT PEOPLE SAID
Gigi Griffiths
The entire weekend has been a joy and such a privilege to see and hear so much talent - local and internationalI
Heather Lucy
Every piece of music moved me and was excellent in its own way. The creativity shown was outstanding
Mrs Griffiths
Polo Piatti's cello composition was fabulous, beutiful and above all melodic, I enjoyed every second of it
Reflections on the direction of today's classical music from the Festival founder
The ethos behind the Festival
"For many years now, a strong trend has developed towards the intellectualisation of classical music. Whilst it is important to recognise and appreciate the importance of progression in music, it is equally important to remember that music should remain accessible to all. Music should be enjoyable, not only 'interesting', 'avant-gardist' or 'shocking' for its own sake.
By founding the International Composers Festival in 2012, I wanted to maximise inclusiveness and showcase works by living composers that are committed to bringing back melody, emotion, and pure beauty to our ears. Why? Because I believe that only by creating music that touches people's hearts, we will be able to contribute to society in an effective and positive way, allowing us to feel again that there is still hope, truth, and goodness in our world!"
Polo Piatti
Founder & Artistic Director, ICF
