Playlist: New Music Biennial at 10

A lot has changed in the decade since the London Olympics, not all of it for the better. But the concept of New Music 20×12 has thankfully lived on as New Music Biennial.

Taking place, as its name suggests, every two years – pandemics accepting – this special festival presents new music across all genres, from classical and chamber opera, to jazz, folk and electronic, with each commission lasting no longer than 15 minutes. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the initiative, the 2022 edition of New Music Biennial brought not only 10 new works to the Southbank Centre, but also 10 works from previous editions.

These included compositions from Anna Meredith, Phillip Venables, Gazelle Twin and many more artists; and if you didn’t get along to our venues to enjoy them in person, the good news is you can refamiliarise yourself with them right now, through this playlist. So set aside a few hours in a suitably cosy spot and settle in for two and half hours of glorious 21st century compositions.