Blog Archives
Dance Unstuck
A project in which I scored ballet dancers live has recently been released. The aim of Dance Unstuck (danceunstuck.co.uk) is to explore to what degree a ‘universal’ approach (informed by Universal Design of Instruction) and teaching methodologies developed for inclusive technique classes could be applied to the highly codified genre of ballet, thereby making it accessible to a wider diversity of dancers. The way of working was totally new to me as I was asked to compose as the dancers danced. This is such a worthy project and I am very grateful to have been asked to take part.
Rehearsals begin for CoMA
I was very heartened to hear that CoMA have begun rehearsals on my new piece ‘Hummingbird’. It will be premiered in a concert in March this year and I will post more information about this as soon as I can. This piece will also be heard in arrangement for London Music Masters for their learner groups, more details to follow.
P.A.R.A.D.E. on BBC!
The music I created by manipulating the BBC NOW recording of Satie’s ‘Parade’ can be heard in the televised version of this production. You will only have a few weeks to view it so the link is here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b09f469j/parade
What a P.A.R.A.D.E!
Sunday marked the final performance of P.A.R.A.D.E., and what an enjoyable journey it has been. We were featured in the Guardian too (click here for the link), where Judith Mackrell describes my manipulation of the original score as a ‘rich clamour’ (I am assuming rather presumptuously that this is a compliment!). It was such a great experience to be a part of this project and I look forward to November when it will be aired on BBC4 – more updates to follow!
Wigmore Hall Debut!
On Tuesday afternoon this week I made my Wigmore Hall debut with my piece ‘Three After-Dinner Pieces’ performed by Peter Moore and Richard Uttley. The concert was a great event and I will be lucky enough to share the video recording of the concert with you when it becomes available. The concert was well attended and it was a pleasure to be able to be a part of it.
Interview at Planet Hugill!
Ahead of tomorrow’s premiere of ‘Three After-Dinner Pieces’ in Bristol, I spoke with Robert Hugill, and the resulting interview can be found here: http://www.planethugill.com/2017/09/electro-acoustic-music-trombones-cheese.html
It was lovely talking with Robert about the piece and I think the interview comes across very well!
Premiere with Peter Moore!
Next Wednesday 27th September I have my new piece ‘Three After-Dinner Pieces’ premiering in Bristol in Colston Hall (1.05pm). Here is an article about the piece from BBC Music Mag, and above it a picture of Peter Moore (photo credit: Kaupo Kikkas). I am super excited about the piece and hope to be able to share it with you soon (tickets are available from: http://www.colstonhall.org/shows/petern-moore-richard-uttley).
Parade Recording with BBC NOW
Tonight I listened to BBC NOW recording Satie’s ‘Parade’, conducted by Martin Yates. I will be using the recording as the basis for a new work written for Marc Rees and National Dance Company Wales. I will be posting much more about this event over the next few weeks and this recording session marks the start of a lot of studio work for me! The first performances are on the 24th and 25th of October in the WMC in Cardiff with performances in Pontio, Bangor shortly afterwards.
Newport Legends Concert
The Operasonic concert on Sunday 2nd July was fantastic! All the legends came together for the first time and it was great to see and hear what everyone had been working on for so long. Many of the young singers put in an excellent performance and it was agreed by the audience that the night was a great success. It was lovely working with Polly Graham on this, and lovely to meet so many enthusiastic music makers!
Maindee Legends starts today!
Today we start our community chorus in Maindee Library – 1pm – 4pm Saturday 17th June. The next rehearsal is 1pm – 4pm Saturday 24th June rehearsal at Maindee Library, Newport. On Saturday 1st July performance at Maindee Festival and 12pm – 6pm Sunday 2nd July performance at The Riverfront Theatre. The other legends are coming together for these performances so it will be a great concert!
Jack White 