I am delighted to have this opportunity to visit Belfast, to present my work at the Sonorities Festival of Contemporary Music, and formally to open the new Sonic Arts Research Centre at Queen's University.

The pieces that have been chosen for these concerts reflect my lifelong belief in the potential of harnessing technology for the purpose of creative expression, and I am pleased to include in the programme the world premiere of one of my latest multi channel electronic compositions Mittwochs-Gruss. I know that Sonorities has a distinguished tradition of presenting and commissioning electroacoustic as well as instrumental works, and I am pleased to be able to contribute to that tradition with my work.
  This year's Sonorities Festival also celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Sonic Arts Network in the UK, of which I am Patron. The Network has been a major factor in developing the UK's international profile in the field of electroacoustic music, and has supported the careers of many fine composers.

I am especially pleased to be able to open the new SARC building at Queen's. The Centre contains perhaps the most unusual concert venue in the world, and it is equally notable for the calibre of the artists and researchers who are working together in this unique environment. I would like to extend my best wishes to the Festival and to SARC in this special year.

 

KARLHEINZ STOCKHAUSEN