James Dillon will be Composer in Residence at Musikfestival Bern 2026, taking place September 2-6. The residency will place Dillon's music at the heart of a festival that this year presents many world premieres alongside installations and an extensive education programme, all focussed around the theme "Lightning".
The centrepiece of the residency is the world premiere of Dillon's new work Lamentations:, composed for Ensemble Proton Bern and Schola Heidelberg. Exploring the Passion narrative through a crucifixion scene, the piece unfolds as a sequence of searching, intense songs that voice not only lament but also protest and solidarity. The premiere takes place on Saturday September 5 at 19:00 at the Dampfzentrale Bern, as part of a concert titled "Widerstehen" ("Resist").
The residency also brings a rare outing for Dillon's 1996 flute concerto Blitzschlag, the concluding panel of his "German Triptych" and a fitting match for the festival's lightning-themed programme this year. One of the most technical works in Dillon's output, demanding and great lung capacity, the piece stands as a touchstone for the uncompromising, exploratory compositional style.
Further events across the residency include performances by pianist Noriko Kawai of three of Dillon's recent piano works, and a moderated public conversation with the composer reflecting on his music and career.
Born in Glasgow in 1950, James Dillon is one of the most significant figures in contemporary British music, with works performed and championed by ensembles including the Arditti Quartet, Ensemble Ictus and the London Sinfonietta. The Musikfestival Bern residency is generously supported by the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation.
For full programme details and tickets, visit the Musikfestival Bern website.
