York St John celebrates the city’s Festival of Ideas

York’s Festival of Ideas, which for 2014 has the theme ‘order and chaos’, starts today and runs until 22 June.

The festival consists of a range of events including talks, performances and interactive experiences at venues across the city including Betty’s Tearoom, Theatre Royal, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and the University of York.

York St John University also hosts a number of events. On Saturday evening choral concert ‘Apocalypse & Ruin’ brings together new music by two composers who are staff members at York St John.

The concert takes place in the University’s chapel on Saturday (14 June) at 7.30pm and admission is free.  

‘Apocalypse’ is a new work by David Lancaster which vividly depicts the end of the world as told by medieval stained glass windows in York.  On a similar theme Dr Ralph Bateman’s ‘Ruins’ - which the composer describes as “reflections on decay and destruction” - will offer another dramatic portrayal of chaos. David is Head of Department for Performance at York St John while Ralph holds the same position in the Music department.

Throughout the festival ‘Angels and Pins’, a philosophical mystery game, will be played out across the City. Guided by messages via mobile phones and social networks, players are expected to collaborate both online and in real life to solve mysteries hidden in York’s streets. The game has been created by Matt Hawthorn, Head of Department, Art and Design at York St John.

Other events hosted by York St John have included a ‘Writing Recklessly Workshop’ from the Creative Writing department and next week American Literature lecturers Dr Anne-Marie Evans and Fraser Mann will present ‘Navigating America’ (Wednesday 18 June in Quad South Hall)

While representatives from the History department, Dr Chris Price and Dr Ian Horwood, will collaborate with colleagues from the University of York to discuss ‘Friction in War’ (Thursday 19 June, Quad South Hall).