Steve Reich At 90: Music For 18 Musicians

From concert hall to club culture – Steve Reich’s music pulses through it all.

Minimalism. Rhythm. Repetition. The building blocks of modern sound. Without Steve Reich, music today would be unrecognisable.

In October 2026, he’ll be turning 90, so we’re throwing a festival in his honour. Our beautiful building on the banks of the River Tyne comes alive with the music of a pioneer who reshaped sound for six decades.

Curated by Colin Currie, one of the leading interpreters of Reich’s music, and hosted by Tom Service, the festival features performances by the Colin Currie Group, Bryce Dessner (The National), Royal Northern Sinfonia and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Expect legendary works including Drumming Part 1, Music for 18 Musicians, The Desert Music, Electric Counterpoint and more.

With free performances and immersive sound installations, this is a celebration for everyone.