Sunderland-born composer and conductor Ben Lunn, and Royal Northern Sinfonia join forces for 'A Company of Musick,' a love letter to his home city and the region. The concert will feature composers with ties to the North East, shining a light on musicians who were once household names and their influence on music to date: Charles Avison, born in Newcastle; John Garth, born in Durham; and William Herschel, who moved to Sunderland in 1761.

Setting Sunderland poet William Martin’s ANNA MARRA MISSA, which is dedicated to the men, women and children of the Pit communities, Ben's new song cycle supported by the RPS will be performed for the first time by British soprano, Rosalind Dobson. In Ben’s words: ‘In William Martin’s magical and esoteric way, the mass is a reflection of the life, troubles, and joy of the people of the region. Being a composer from Sunderland, this poem speaks deeply to me and I wanted to make a broader programme fit to this idea – raising the art and culture of home higher.’

About Ben Lunn
Having collaborated with musicians from across the world, this concert is set to be a love letter to his home city. Ben’s love of music started with brass bands, something that resonated during his work with Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band. In 2024, he was commissioned by Redhills Durham Miners’ Hall to compose Durham Diptych for the brass band and was performed at Redhills in October last year.

Founder of the Disabled Artists Network, Lunn is also a great advocate for others. His compositions thoughtfully explore the impact of disability and lived experience while he works to support other artists in their creative and professional work. Ben is also an RPS Composer, and was part of the 2023 RPS Composers programme.

ANNA MARRA MISSA is commissioned by Royal Northern Sinfonia, with support from the Royal Philharmonic Society.

Tickets: £15