NEW music commissioned by Turner Sims Southampton is one of 20 works selected for the coveted New Music Biennial 2017.

The New Music Biennial 2017 is a PRS for Music Foundation initiative which is presented in partnership with Hull UK City of Culture 2017, London’s Southbank Centre and BBC Radio 3.

The winning commissions present a snapshot of contemporary music in the UK including ten brand new works (of which the Turner Sims commission is one) and ten pre-existing works that have been composed within the last 15 years.

The New Music Biennial includes new music from across all genres from classical and chamber opera to jazz, folk, electronic and music for brass band and organ.

Turner Sims has commissioned pianist, composer and bandleader Peter Edwards to create A Journey with the Giants of Jazz for their submission, in which he explores the year 1917. A period that saw the births of some of the most influential jazz artists including composer ‘Tadd’ Dameron, singer Ella Fitzgerald, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, pianist Thelonious Monk, drummer Buddy Rich and percussionist Mongo Santamaria, Peter will take inspiration from the motifs found in these artists’ classic works.

The piece, to be performed by the Nu Civilisation Orchestra (a Tomorrow’s Warriors ensemble), offers the audience a re-imagined and alternative musical experience.

The new work will receive its world premiere at Turner Sims before performances elsewhere including at two celebration weekends as part of Hull UK City of Culture and at London's Southbank Centre, both in July.