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Contemporary dance. Richard Alston, Artistic Director of The Place, the UK's leading centre for contemporary dance, is internationally recognised as one of the most influential and inspiring choreographers in British dance. For Richard Alston "every dance is a love affair with his chosen music" (The Times). This programme matches the beauty of Mozart with the exhilaration of Benjamin Britten and the lightning energy of Bang on a Can All-Stars. Commissioned to celebrate the centenary of Britten, the brand new Rejoice in the Lamb is danced to Britten's superb setting of Christopher Smart, whose poetry is fuelled by both religious fervour and such eccentric details as the poet's cat Jeffrey! The programme also features the 'astonishingly sustained' (New York Times) duet from Unfinished Business, to the adagio of Mozart's Sonata K533. Lachrymae, set to Britten's compassionate and tender music for viola and piano played live, spins emotional variations on a gentle song by John Dowland - quietly but deeply moving - 'A thing of truth and beauty' The Independent on Sunday. To end the evening, Martin Lawrance's Madcap is fast-paced, thrilling and set to the driven music of ultra-cool New York band, Bang on a Can All-Stars. Madcap was rapturously received by audiences and critics alike last season.