Cross-cultural collaboration is by no means a new concept, yet the issues and processes related to it are as fascinating as ever – numerous, varied and in flux.
Sound and Music’s Portfolio scheme provides a key development opportunity for composers to create new work with and for some of the UK’s leading ensembles and presenters of new music. The Portfolio scheme enables them to develop their portfolio of compositions and gain vital artistic and practical insight and experience in working with professional ensembles, presenting to organisations and delivering new work to public audiences.
Left: Andrew Thomas – Right: Nick Morish Rarity
Sound and Music collaborated with mu:arts in a call for applications from composers across the UK who were interested in creating new music using Noh elements. From approximaely 40 high-level applications, we shortlisted 4 composers, interviewed them with three panels and Nick Morrish Rarity and Andrew Thomas were selected.
As part of the Portfolio project, The Noh Training Project UK at Royal Holloway University, London hosted Andrew and Nick during a three-week residency for selected composers. Nick and Andrew enjoyed the intensive course.
In December and January, Nick and Andrew connected at Sommerset House in London with Yukihiro Isso and Japanese percussionists in Tokyo via Skype.
Shiori Usui, an Edinburgh based Japanese composer, helped a great deal to assist with communication. Professor Richard Emmert, acting the mentor to the composers, continued to give appropriate advice when needed.
Below you can see some photos from the February workshop. Edinburgh-based composer Shiori Usui assisted in the collaboration between the Japanese musicians and British composers during this workshop as well as two online workshops in December and January. Shiori’s own pieces were featured during the 2015 BBC Proms.
These pictures are from the premiere of Andrew and Nick’s compositions along with the discussion session which preceded it:
Read about the portfolio project on the Sound and Music website
