It is Thursday evening in Amsterdam the 13th of November 2025. The stage is set at the Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ. Between composing pieces Alex had hopped over for the concert. Before the gig Alex Paxton was being interviewed by Thea Derks, music journalist and presentator. Alex talked about composing and music in general (see video).
Back in 2023 Alex Paxton received the German composition prize: Förderpreis Komposition der Ernst von Siemens Musikstiftung (Composers' Prize).
The concert itself consisted of two Dutch premieres. Before the break Alex Paxton's composition 'Don't leave me behind' was performed. Ensemble Modern, a German ensemble albeit with instrumentalists from all over the world, played it in Amsterdam for the fifth time, after having it premiered at the reknowned Wigmore Hall in London on 28th June 2025 and was also featured at the prestigious Polish International Festival of Contemporary Music called Warsaw Autumn. This time however the Ensemble was conducted by German composer (and conductor) Enno Poppe.
Alex Paxton
The energetic piece came into being after a intensive collaboration with Ensemble Modern. Seemingly a bit more subdued in comparison to some of his earlier works the piece is still vintage Paxton. Exuberant and witty the compostion makes the audience feel good and connected to composer, composition and (the top level) performers. Abstract but with a tonal finale with the instrumentalist singing close harmony Don't leave me behind. With such impressive music we can't leave Alex Paxton behind. And with the career he is having his happy music will often be heard in The Netherlands I presume. No, I am convinced it will.
Alex Paxton and Enno Poppe congratulate each other
