Aldeburgh festival roundup – Tansy Davies and Freya Waley-Cohen premieres, plus blistering Shostakovich

The Aldeburgh Festival featured the world premiere of Tansy Davies' percussion concerto Earth Works on June 22, 2026, with Colin Currie performing as the soloist. Currie, a percussionist, utilized a diverse array of instruments, including cymbals, drums, tubular bells, cowbells, an upturned dustbin, and a small gong, while the BBC National Orchestra of Wales provided orchestral accompaniment. The festival also included the premiere of Alex Ho and Rockey Sun Keting’s Chronicle and performances by Freya Waley-Cohen. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Kevin Edusei, was noted for its exhilarating performance. The event showcased new compositions alongside established works, highlighting contemporary classical music within the Suffolk setting.