Manchester trombonist selected for Birmingham’s NEXT programme

A talented University of Manchester graduate musician has been selected to be part of the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s NEXT programme supporting early-career musicians.

Raddon Stephenson, who was awarded the Dean’s Award for Achievement for his First class degree in music this year, will be playing the trombone in the NEXT programme.

Raddon studied the brass instrument with Simon Powell at Manchester and has participated in masterclasses with contemporary musicians Lars Karlin (New European Ensemble) and Jonas Bylund (Stockholm Chamber Brass).

The NEXT programme is the only one of its kind in the UK offering an intensive year’s training in contemporary music. NEXT Musicians receive one-to-one teaching from BCMG players and world-renowned soloists, as well as many opportunities to perform. The musicians work directly with the world’s most exciting composers, building their own ensembles and presenting and designing performances using the latest techniques.

“The 2019-20 NEXT participants will have the opportunity to work with some of the best-known living composers, including Rebecca Saunders and Sir Harrison Birtwistle, as well as being closely mentored by BCMG musicians, whose expertise, knowledge and sheer passion for the music of today is second to none,” said Stephan Meier, BCMG artistic director.

“The combination of these musicians’ experience, and the commitment and fantastic facilities at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire will help support what we hope to be another successful year of running this course – the only one of its kind in the UK.”

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