Commissions to Michael Cutting, Beatrice Dillon, Vitalija Glovackyte, Lisa Illean & Catherine Lamb

The Explore Ensemble is commissioning four exciting new chamber works from composers Catherine Lamb, Michael Cutting & Vitalija Glovackyte (Hyperdawn), Lisa Illean, and Beatrice Dillon. Each composition will feature the ensemble’s core sextet, with unique additions that enhance the musical experience. Catherine Lamb’s new work, created in collaboration with the Exaudi Vocal Ensemble, will blend voices and instruments, including Celtic harp and just-intonation electronic guitar. This 45-minute piece will be premiered at The Barbican and Rainy Days Festivals in November 2025, with additional European festival performances planned for 2026.

Michael Cutting and Vitalija Glovackyte (Hyperdawn) are composing a 60-minute work that will combine electronics, ensemble, and lighting. It will debut in May 2025 at the White Hotel in Manchester, a venue known for its experimental music scene. After the premiere, the work will tour in the UK and Europe.

Lisa Illean is composing a 25-minute piece for mezzo-soprano, ensemble, and electronics, to be premiered at the Aldeburgh Festival in June 2025.

Beatrice Dillon, continuing her collaboration with Explore Ensemble, is creating a new work for ensemble and electronics, which she will also perform.

These commissions, made possible by the Ernst von Siemens Foundation, are part of Explore Ensemble’s ongoing mission to push the boundaries of contemporary music while attracting new, diverse audiences.

Further Information:
explore-ensemble.com

Dates

November 1, 2025
Milton Court, London
(World premiere Catherine Lamb)

November 23, 2025
Festival Rain Days, Luxembourg

April 11, 2026
Rewire Festival, Koninklijke Schouwburg, The Hague
(World premiere Beatrice Dillon)