Liverpool Hope University Remembers Musical Pioneer Iannis Xenakis

ON Wednesday, 2 November and Thursday, 3 November 2022, Liverpool Hope University will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of avant garde composer Iannis Xenakis with a series of 2 events comprising concerts and pre-concert talks at The Capstone Theatre.

Iannis Xenakis is widely regarded as 1 of the most original composers, sound artists and musical thinkers of the 20th Century. An uncompromising visceral power is present throughout his large and diverse body of work that leaves behind a rich legacy continuing to resonate through much of today's contemporary music in surprising ways.

His earliest compositions, that date from before the 2nd World War, bely folkloric and early Modernist influences, particularly Bartók. These early artistic expressions, in many ways, can be seen to be in keeping with his nationalist political outlook.

During the Second World War he fought with the anti Nazi resistance in Greece. His post war works with their striking sound-worlds of extraordinary originality are perhaps the works that he is best known for, commencing with his 'opus 1' Metastaseis. His large body of works are informed by his innovative engineering, mathematical and architectural thinking; he worked closely as Le Corbusier's assistant for several years.

As well as being a composer of works of raw power for traditional acoustic instruments he was also a pioneer of electronic music. This ranges from his innovations with respect to the digital graphic editing of sound as well as that of the development of granular synthesis, all of which has been of profound influence to much of today's electroacoustic and electronic dance music.

In many ways, like most of us, he was an artist of surprising standpoints. His favourite composer was Johannes Brahms, because of his command of musical form; his instrumental and electronic works often explored new areas of sonic abstraction while his vocal works remained disarmingly lyrical. Above all, 1 should simply appreciate the excitement and energy unleashed in the elemental musical landscapes of Iannis Xenakis.

Wednesday, 2 November 2022 will see the event starts with a talk at:- 6pm, by Andrew Hooker, who will be analysing 1 of Xenakis most significant electronic works, Empire(s) of Stillness, followed at:- 7pm, by an electroacoustic concert of works by, or inspired by, Iannis Xenakis.

On Thursday, 3 November 2022, the event starts with a talk on the composer at:- 6pm, by Prof Peter Nelson, followed at:- 7pm, by a concert of works by Xenakis and Brahms performed by pianist Lauryna Sableviciute and violinist Emma Lloyd.

For more information about what's on at The Capstone Theatre website.

Halloween prizes galore as Silcock's Funland and Carousel in Southport welcome families this October Half Term

FAMILIES can enjoy lots of Halloween themed fun at the entrance to Southport Pier this October Half Term! There are Halloween themed prizes galore inside Silcock's Funland, including some cute Gremlins toys. The Victorian era Silcock's Craousel will be open every day of Half Term, as will the Hall of Mirrors to the side of Funland. People can also sit either inside or outside and take in the views over the Marine Lake on 1 side or the Promenade on the other while they enjoy fish and chips from the Silcock's Pier Family Restaurant.

Silcock's Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince said:- "We have lots going on this Halloween! We have lots of great Halloween themed prizes that people can win inside Funland. We have had lots of fun decorating the place too, while some of our staff will also be wearing Halloween themed fancy dress! October Half Term is always a really fun time for families, and it's lovely to see everyone dressed up in their spooky costumes. Our cafe inside Funland will be open, where people can enjoy meals from just £1. People can also enjoy lots inside Funland at reasonable prices too, we are very conscious of the pressures on families' budgets in these times. There is so much that people can enjoy in Southport this October Half Term and we are really looking forward to welcoming everyone!"

Funland, Southport's largest family amusement centre, has stood as the grand entrance to Southport Pier, on the Promenade, for many years. The attraction is now counting down the days to both Halloween and then Christmas with visitors enjoying a variety of games in the arcade from just 2p a play to £1.

As they win they can choose from a wide range of superb prizes, which can also make great Christmas presents. Funland offers fun for all the family with children's games, rides and Southport's best Ticket Game Zone where the games are fun to play and easy to win.

Inside Funland you will find a £1 Snack Bar offering:- toasties, paninis, sandwiches, fries, jacket potatoes, snacks and hot and cold drinks for just £1.

For more details about Southport Funland please visit:- Silcock-Leisure.Co.UK.