Overview

Leeds College of Music’s New Music Ensemble gave its first concert in December 1983, an all-Webern programme in celebration of the composer's centenary. For its 25th anniversary, the ensemble presents a fascinating selection of music with connections to various worlds of popular music.

The programme includes Torke's imaginative use of 80s pop rhythms, Bainbridge's evocation of Miles Davis, Weir's indebtedness to folk music and Weill's ever-popular Threepenny Opera Suite, with its strong links to the Berlin cabaret of the inter-war years.

The charismatic pianist Matthew Bourne performs Michael Daugherty's wryly humorous tribute to the king of pianistic kitsch; the furred, rhinestone-bedecked Wladziu Valentino Liberace who, over 60 years ago, prefigured and outdid the likes of Richard Clayderman and Elton John in promoting bad taste with a smile.

Pianist and composer Matthew Bourne was named the Perrier Young Jazz Musician of the Year in 2001, the year he graduated from the Postgraduate Jazz course at Leeds College of Music. In 2002 Matthew was awarded the prize for Jazz Innovation at the BBC Radio Jazz Awards. Last year Matthew released a live album, The Molde Concert, a solo live show recorded at the 2005 Molde Jazz festival.