This morning, we welcomed Sir Harrison Birtwistle, one of this country’s greatest living composers, into the agency to kick off our latest series of W+Ked speakers

In the 1960s, Harrison shocked the classical world when debuting his opera Punch and Judy and both he and his music have stayed as uncompromising and distinctive ever since.

The composer spoke on his music, influences and staying on the cutting edge of his profession and finished with a thrilling live performance of a piece called ‘Pulse Sampler’, performed by oboist Melinda Maxwell and percussionist David Hockings.

A huge thanks to Harrison, Melinda and David for sharing their knowledge and talents and to the W+Ked team for a properly inspiring start to this year’s speaker programme.

We’re honoured to be named Fast Company’s Most Innovative Company in advertising, for the second year in a row.

The publication writes: “Wieden+Kennedy is advertising’s largest independent advertising agency – and its most innovative, able to serve both iconic companies such as Nike and KFC and a new generation of brand marketers such as Airbnb and OK Cupid. Without question, its work for the 30th anniversary of Nike’s Just Do It campaign, titled “Dream Crazy,” was the advertising feat of 2018…the campaign perfectly captures how Wieden+Kennedy creates work that impacts the culture.

“Wieden’s diverse, inclusive hiring and leadership, including co-president Colleen DeCourcy, have helped the agency connect with the cultural conversation in ways that others in the advertising industry cannot because they lack the voices in the room to make sure that they’re aware of both what will – and what won’t – resonate.”