FESTIVAL AIMS & HISTORY

Planet Tree was founded by Lawrence Ball and opened in 1996 by 2 Terry Riley concerts

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Planet Tree is contemporary, experimental, accessible, harmonious, multi-media embracing.

Lawrence Ball feels that contemporary music can be overtly heavenly and about the rising sun, not so much the darker energies, circulating though they may be.

Music by composers who have steered away from the commercial and the academic approaches.

The more tonal end of the spectrum, less than the more aggressive, more predominantly intellectual aspects.

 

Music that deals dominantly with the brighter side of musical expression.

 

Under-recognised composers – particularly those who have sought beauty and the innovative at the expense of “career” as a composer.

For example:
Kaikhosru Sorabji, Alan Hovhaness, Jean Catoire, Erik Satie, Terry Riley……..

Music linking with other artistic media, eg with poets, painters, computer graphics, light sculptures.

Links with other musical genres, eg Indian or far eastern ethnic music, or with jazz, rock or other idioms, but not to dilute the main aim as one of new concert music.

“Uncompromising in its artistic integrity, this festival is a rare and cherished event” – Terry Riley

“…..the ever progressive Planet Tree Music Festival.” – The Observer