for-Wards is a hyper-local music project aiming to create 40 original musical compositions inspired by Birmingham’s 40 electoral wards. To begin with, three wards were selected: Sparkbrook, Aston, and South Yardley. Workshops were held in each of the locations, inviting local people to share sounds they knew from around their neighbourhood, as well as describe their ward in words. This input was recorded and used as the basis for the composition of new works by three Birmingham-based composers: Kirsty Devaney, Sebastiano Dessanay, and project lead Bobbie-Jane Gardner.
The works will be premièred in the library of each ward, culminating in two performances at the Library of Birmingham:
20th March, 4pm: Small Heath Library
21st March, 3pm: Balsall Heath Library
26th March, 4pm: Aston Library
28th March, 2.30pm and 3.30pm: Library of Birmingham
All performances are free, but spaces are limited so booking in advance is essential — see the for-Wards website for more details.