Sounds New -

Posted on: 22nd Jun 2012

We’re delighted to announce that Sounds New was awarded 'Destination Canterbury 2012' at last night's Canterbury Culture Awards.  This award, sponsored by ABode, is given to the arts organisation that brings the greatest national and international cultural credit to the city;

For an organisation, group or individual who has done most in the last twelve months to raise the profile of the District’s cultural offering regionally, nationally and internationally.

We’re extremely proud; the award is a terrific acknowledgement of the Festival’s efforts in bringing major cultural figures to Canterbury, significant composers, performers and ensembles from the world of international contemporary music and giving people in the region the opportunity to experience music performed by many of the world’s leading national and international players, as well as all the related arts and educational projects that combine in Sounds New. The entire team behind the delivery of this year’s Festival, including its Artistic Director, Paul Max Edlin, and Festival Manager, Michelle Castelletti, is thoroughly delighted.

Congratulations to all the winners at last night’s award ceremony, which recognised the region as a vibrant cultural area with a great deal of individuals, organisations and events contributing to make Kent a dynamic area, rich in artistic and creative initiatives.

And now back to planning for next year's Festival! Watch this space...

Posted by Daniel Harding.

Posted on: 2nd Apr 2012

We’re delighted to reveal that Sounds New has been shortlisted in two categories for the 2012 Canterbury Culture Awards.

Set up in 2011, the awards are a way of celebrating the vast spectrum of cultural activities, talent, organisations and individuals working in the east Kent area, and recognising the array of events that makes Kent an exciting cultural centre.

The awards ceremony last year brought together artists, local businesses, philanthropists and arts supporters, in celebrating the cultural diversity at the heart of the area.

This year, we’ve been shortlisted for two awards; the East Kent People’s Award

For a cultural organisation in East Kent which demonstrates engagement with its local community, popularity across the region and continuing efforts in developing existing and new audiences.

and also for the Destination Canterbury Award

For an organisation, group or individual who has done most in the last twelve months to raise the profile of the District’s cultural offering regionally, nationally and internationally.

Manager of the Sounds New Festival, Michelle Castelletti, is very excited about the nominations, in particular for the way it recognises this part of the country’s status as a hotbed of contemporary culture.

‘’Situated in the beautiful city of Canterbury, ‘’ observes Michelle, ‘’Sounds New occupies a unique place in the promotion of contemporary classical music in the south-east of England. To have such a hub of contemporary music available in east Kent, under an hour’s train from London, has certainly proved Canterbury’s status as a centre for music and culture.’’

Looking at the array of organisations and individuals with whom Sounds New is rubbing shoulders on the list, it’s clear that we are a part of a large and vibrant artistic community; the new Marlowe Thatre, the Turner Contemporary at Margate, two concrete and tangible manifestations of Kent’s widening cultural and economic presence.  

Here’s the Chair for Canterbury Culture, Tim LeLean, talking about the ethos behind the cultural awards.

Voting for the awards will take place on the Culture Awards website on Thursday 12 April, with the awards ceremony taking place on 21 June. Luck to everyone who has been nominated: come back and vote on April 12!

Posted by Daniel Harding.