Composer Lauri Supponen has been appointed Composer in Residence for 2026 at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival (hcmf//), the UK’s leading festival of new and experimental music. His works will be performed in Huddersfield this November, including the world premiere of East, a commission by the festival for Eva Zöllner (accordion) and Heather Roche (Bb clarinet). Held annually, hcmf// is widely recognised as one of Europe’s most prominent and respected events in the field.

Finnish composer Lauri Supponen has an international background and career. His works have been premiered by leading contemporary ensembles such as Ensemble Intercontemporain, Ensemble Modern, and BBC Singers at festivals across Europe and North America. Supponen's artistic practice lies at the intersection of music, dance, visual art, and theatre, exploring the creative potential that emerges between established structures.

The festival’s Artistic Director, Graham McKenzie, describes the composer as follows:
”Supponen is a self-confessed thoughtful composer asking himself ‘why I’m planning to compose for this particular ensemble, or in this form’. This thoughtfulness extends to the audience as the experience of the listener is paramount in his work, and to the performer, taking the utmost care to place their unique strengths at the heart of any creation.”

Supponen himself regards the residency as a significant recognition of his work and an important step in his international career.

“I’m humbled to join the incredible score of Composers in Residence at hcmf// and wholly thrilled to share several of my works on a wide scale alongside my colleagues and compatriots. During my studies in London, Huddersfield seemed like another planet, and I’m only glad that the irresistible pull of the experimental edge is bringing me in, as that’s where I think the magic happens. Festivals like hcmf// are beacons in a warmongering world that pushes the softer values of listening aside. I’m very happy to be part of it this year.”

Through a partnership between Music Finland and the hcmf//, Finnish music will play a central role in the festival’s programming from 2024 to 2027. The third edition of this collaboration will take place from 20 to 29 November 2026. Across the ten-day festival, Finnish music will feature prominently from the opening weekend through to the closing days. In addition to Supponen, several other Finnish composers and musicians will be presented. Further details of the Finnish programme and the full festival line-up will be announced in the autumn. Additional partners for the 2026 festival include The Society of Finnish Composers and The Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland.

More about Lauri Supponen:

- Lauri Supponen's homepage
- Lauri Supponen at Music Finland CORE
- Spotlight article: Lauri Supponen – Composer as a deep listener