We are pleased to announce the OU’s partnership with London’s Southbank Centre and the BBC for a year long festival of events celebrating 20th century classical music. “The Rest Is Noise” festival is one of The Southbank's most ambitious classical music undertakings to date, a cultural and musical history of the 20th century told through 250 events, concerts, films, talks and debates spread over 12 months in 2013. The London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Four and The Open University are major partners of the festival.
“We are delighted to be involved with this prestigious and exciting festival and welcome the opportunity it brings to introduce new audiences to 20th century classical music and to The Open University”.
If you love classical concerts but feel you need some help with contemporary music, this festival is for you. It’s also a guided way in for those just beginning to discover classical music.
The festival features events, including talks, films, performances, participation events and concerts, all exploring 20th century classical music in the context of historical, political and cultural upheavals.
OU subject specialists will be contributing to the programme of events, and audiences will be encouraged to visit the OU’s Open Learn “Rest is Noise” website. The site offers links through to the Southbank’s festival website to review and book Festival events, as well as offering extensive free OU learning resources covering many topics around 20th century music and culture. There is also a new, specially created, online interactive which explores the sometimes surprising connections that exists between 20th century composers. You can also find out about study pathways for OU modules and qualifications related to the music and the festival topics. (note: the site may not contain the full extent of content until middle of January).
The OU is also co-producing a forthcoming three part series for BBC Four “The Sound and the Fury, to be shown early in 2013. Through interviews with leading composers and musicians, specially staged performances of 20th century works and the use of archive footage, this series tells the story of a revolution in sound – of how classical music was catapulted from beauty to chaos.
Please note:
Students currently studying with the OU are eligible for student concessionary rates, where available, when purchasing tickets for The Rest is Noise Festival events. Please note however when concessionary tickets have been purchased, students must carry ID for collection and when entering events – ID can be an OUSA card, NUS card or OU student registration letter.
