New format for Composer Weekend after Weir focus

The highlight of Scottish composer's event was the premiere of Concrete, her large-scale orchestral and choral work that takes the surrounding Barbican Estate as its main influence.

Since launching in 1988, the annual Composer Weekend has featured 21 noted composers from the 20th and 21st centuries including James MacMillan, John Cage and John Adams in recent years.

It will be replaced with a more flexible and varied season-long format. In 2009, for example, there will be individual days devoted to three composers, plus events to celebrate Elliott Carter's centenary and the opening of the Barbican's China Festival.

In December Weir, 53, became the first female to receive the Queen's Medal for Music, joining previous recipients conductor Sir Charles Mackerras and singer Bryn Terfel.

www.bbc.co.uk/symphonyorchestra

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