Royal College of Music RCM Insights: Finnissy & Folk

Composer and Royal College of Music alumnus Michael Finnissy discusses how folk music has inspired his work, alongside performances of pieces from his album *Folklore*. The event explores the ways in which melodies drawn from a wide range of folk traditions are deconstructed, reimagined and transformed into complex yet engaging avant-garde compositions.

The programme also places Finnissy’s work within the wider RCM series Finnissy & Feldman, which highlights the shared musical characteristics and important anniversaries of two radical composers. Alongside the discussion, audiences can hear chamber repertoire connected to this creative world, offering an insight into sound, texture, innovative notation and performance techniques.

This event is suitable for anyone interested in contemporary music, composition, and the relationship between folk material and modern musical writing. It takes place in the Performance Hall at the Royal College of Music and is offered on a Pay What You Can basis, making it accessible to a wide audience.