Blog Archives

Cinderella revived!

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On May 11th and 12th Ballet Cymru will be performing a new ballet to my score for Cinderella.  I have been working on a version with live instruments and also revising the version which will accompany the company on their national tour (see www.welshballet.co.uk for a complete list of dates and venues).  With a new set and costumes I am very much looking forward to seeing the production and working with the musicians on the night!

Newport Legends Concert

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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!

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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!

Cinderella soundtrack now available

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I have just made the soundtrack to the ballet ‘Cinderella’, which was commissioned by Ballet Cymru, available here.  It was such a pleasure to work on music for a whole production and I hope you enjoy listening to it.

Newport Legends!

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I am delighted to be working with Operasonic (www.operasonic.co.uk) this year on their Newport Legends project.  Over the next 12 months, we will be uncovering the legends of  Newport working with local young people. Each legends will be transformed into a performance that brings together music, storytelling, design and drama – all the ingredients of opera.  I will be working with Polly Graham within the Maindee area of Newport to create some exciting community music!  This will be one of four performances in July 2017 in the Riverfront Theatre.  I will keep you updated….

5-star review for Cinderella!

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So it’s fair to say that I was a little more than excited for the premiere of ‘Cinderella’ with Ballet Cymru on the 8th this month. I had been working hard to complete the score and finish the production on time. I had not really had chance to watch much of the dancing until the week before the production. I was absolutely stunned watching the final performances. Everything worked together brilliantly, and the critics agreed. Jemma Beggs in the Wales Art Review called the score ‘wonderful’. Mike Smith, writing in the Western Mail, gave the show a 5-star review and comments: ‘The dance is swept along by an instantly accessible atmospheric score, so catchy that it seems familiar as if it has been accompanying this ballet for decades rather than a fresh piece of writing’. I feel particularly proud of this comment, since it validates the hard work I put into creating a score that had to be traditional and innovative in the same respect. Similar praise is awarded to the choreographers and collaborative partners in this review: ‘This Cinders is the complete package. The dancing is full of character and style while Darius James and Amy Doughty’s choreography is packed with pulsating invention melded with traditional elegance and refinement’. And above all the dancers should feel amazingly proud of what they have achieved. Cinderella continues to tour next month. Check out http://welshballet.co.uk/whats-on/tour-dates for a complete list.

Less than a week!

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I have been very impressed this evening watching a run-through of ‘Cinderella’ with Ballet Cymru – wow guys, you were amazing! Darius James and Amy Doughty have done an excellent job of telling this magical and timeless story. I also watched as James Doyle-Roberts of Citrus Arts worked with the dancers on perfecting certain circus skills in the piece. The aerial work is looking especially impressive and fitting well with the overall narrative. Tickets for the opening performances are nearly sold out so be quick if you want to be at the Riverfront next week for the premiere!

Cinderella gets ready!

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It was great fun to see some of the advertising that is being conducted around Ballet Cymru’s new production of Cinderella. The first performances in the Riverfront Theatre will be on the 8th and 9th of May this year. I notice that there is already 12 more venues around the country booked after this initial production! I have been composing the music from the end of last year and think that it will be quite an experience watching it set to ballet. If you are thinking of joining us for the performances my advice is to act quickly: Saturday night’s performance has nearly sold out already. If you go to http://welshballet.co.uk/productions/cinderella/ there is a complete list of performances with links to the tickets.

‘Stuck In The Mud’ arrives in Newport Market

'Stuck In The Mud' arrives in Newport Market

These are a sample of photographs taken from the last production of ‘Stuck In The Mud’ in Gloucester (a larger selection can be found by clicking on the picture). I am very excited about the premiere of this work in Wales. It will be the first time that a large-scale piece has been performed in my home town, so it will be a proud moment indeed! I am looking forward to being able to share the music and incredible performances with everyone. It will be performed on the 12th and 13th November in Newport Market. Productions begin at 4pm and 6pm (audiences will need to arrive half an hour before these times to take full advantage of the journey). Call the box office now to reserve your ticket on 01633 656757.

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