Meet the innovators

The lines between classical music and modern forms have long been blurred, but the Berlin collective known as Stargaze don’t simply flirt with such soundclashes, they make it their art form.

Stargaze is comprised of classically trained artists from all over Europe, brought together by maestro André de Ridder. They approach contemporary rock, pop and electronica seeking not just to relocate these genres in a classical setting by swapping electric guitars for violins and so on, but to explore the ideas and the sounds of new music to create works with an entirely new perspective.

Stargaze work with a variety of upcoming and acclaimed artists for each project they take on. For their David Bowie Prom tribute they have created new arrangements and re-imaginings of his songs and are premiering a new work by David Lang sung by counter-tenor Philippe Jarrousky, among star guests including Bowie collaborator John Cale.

This summer they return to Germany for the annual Haldern Pop festival. For this, they literally set up camp in the rural location of Haldern and spend a week rehearsing and collaborating with different artists. Their work for 2016’s festival includes arrangements of Boards of Canada and culminates in performances around the village.

Their reputation puts them in touch with seminal artists in other fields including, this year, San Francisco electronic duo Matmos and French film composer Chassol, who will perform with them at the Philharmonie in Paris in November as part of a festival marking Steve Reich’s eightieth birthday.

This west London festival of new independent talent celebrates its twenty-first birthday in 2016.

Established as a reaction to the mainstream homegrown film industry, the Portobello Film Festival set out to showcase fresh ideas and talents at grassroots level. All comers were encouraged to submit their work for consideration, and it has operated the same way ever since, with an open-minded, open-door policy shaping the final programme of each year’s festival.

Without the need to be well-connected or backed by wealthy investors, any writer or director can submit their work to the festival online, drawing in talents from all backgrounds and cultures. Over the years, budding filmmakers getting an early showcase have included Guy Ritchie and Cassius Rayner.

The other key reason for the festival’s enduring success is that all the events are free, which brings a younger and more diverse audience than at bigger film festivals. The festival’s dedication to remaining free means the expense of hiring flashy venues is ruled out, so local parks, bars and theatres become makeshift cinemas in the name of artistic innovation and creativity.

The festival runs from September 1 to 16.