With Battle of the Bands 2018 coming up, we thought we'd have a look back at who the previous winners of the competition were and what they've achieved since winning.
Heidi Heidelberg
Heidi was the winner of Battle of the Bands 2017, winning over the judges with her rendition of John Cage's Aria. She continues to develop new repertoire for voice using effects and sound manipulation. Her current solo repertoire includes work by avant-garde and contemporary classical composers, using her diverse influences to enliven niche repertoire for new audiences. Heidi is part of the experimental jazz duo Bitch 'n' Monk who have performed all over London, including in the Royal Festival Hall.
Ensemble x.y
Winners of Battle of the Bands 2016, Ensemble x.y have continued to add music to the 21st century by commissioning young composers to write new works for them, whilst also performing underplayed works of the modern era. Since winning Battle of the Bands, Ensemble x.y have performed at St Martin-in-the-Fields and have organised their own concert series at St John's Smith Square.
The Hermes Experiment
The Hermes Experiment combines the sounds of a soprano, a clarinet, a double-bass and a harp. Since winning Battle of the Bands in 2014, the group have established themselves as one of today's most exciting up-and-coming experimental classical groups. In 2016 they won the Tunnel Trust Awards and were also Park Lane Artist Winners for 2015/16. Recent highlights include a showcase performance at Tallinn Music Week 2017 and the ensemble’s debut at Southbank Centre and Kings Place.
Tempest Flute Trio
After winning Battle of the Bands in 2011, Tempest Flute Trio went on to win multiple awards and prizes, including the Royal Overseas League Chamber Music competition in 2013. They have had recitals in the Wigmore Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall and have toured Italy, Germany and Switzerland where they opened the Lucerne Chamber Music series. The trio continue to frequently perform new works, including some of their own arrangements.
Daniel Shao
Flautist Daniel Shao won Battle of the Bands in 2014 in joint first place with The Hermes Experiment. Being extremely interested in new music, Daniel has commissioned and premiered new pieces for the flute by young composers such as Kristina Arakelyan, Philip Dutton and Joshua Hagley. He has played in premieres of orchestral and chamber works by Mark-Anthony Turnage and Judith Weir.
Consortium 5
Recorder quintet Consortium 5 won Battle of the Bands back in 2009. They have performed critically acclaimed concerts in many inspiring venues and festivals, including at the Spitalfields Festival, Kings Place and Windsor Castle. They released their debut album Tangled Pipes on the Nonclassical label in 2011. With a passion for performing in community settings, they often perform in hospitals and schools, as well as organising concerts for families. The group continue to work with composers to commission and perform new works.