Author Archives: Ben

Ostrava Days 2009 Performance – Wednesday 26th August

I have been in Ostrava, Czech Republic, for the last couple of weeks taking part in the Ostrava Days Institute as a resident-student composer.  It’s been a great few weeks and the Ostrava Banda will perform the world premiere of ‘Suppressing Repression’ for bass clarinet, trumpet, violin, ‘cello, piano and two percussion on Wednesday in the Philharmonic Hall in Ostrava.  If by any chance your around hopefully see you there!!

Recordings of EMFEB Gigs

Couple of recordings from gigs in April – many thanks to the wonderful EMFEB and conductor Ben Ellin.

Colonel Crampon Goes Off – recorded at the Poetry Cafe
Poem written and read by Luke Wright and my musical response played by EMFEB – thanks to Luke for working with me on this:

Colonel Crampon Goes Off by ben_oliver_music

Variations on a Theme by Handel – recorded at the Rosemary Branch Theatre in April

Variations on a Theme by Handel by ben_oliver_music

Upcoming EMFEB gigs at the Rosemary Branch Music Festival- 21st and 28th April

I’m writing a new piece for the EMFEB Chamber Orchestra for two gigs at the Rosmary Branch Music Festival in April.  The ‘London Calling’ gigs will celebrate the music of Handel and Mendelssohn and include several premieres by composers including Owen Bourne, Benjamin Ellin and Oliver Leith.  Details can be found at www.emfeb.com/events

BBC World Service and Slade School of Fine Art Soundscape Piece – 27th February 2009

On Friday 27th February I am performing a new soundscape piece for computer, Nintendo WII controller and six loudspeakers for the third stage of a collaborative project between the BBC World Service and the Slade School of Fine Art.  You can read more information about it on the website for this project, The View from Here.

Beckett and Music Conference at the University of Sussex – 26th February 2009

I’m performing a new piece for prepared piano and electronics at the University of Sussex as part of the Beckett and Music Symposium. The piece, which I’m currently composing, is based on Beckett’s Stirrings Still and I will perform it evening of 26th February in the recital room at the University of Sussex campus in Falmer.

Premiere in Brighton – The Latest Music Bar, 10th February

I will be performing a new piece for improvising keys, electric guitar and electronics with Arthur Carabott and an improvisation with Sam Hayden (laptop) in a gig featuring Sussex University music postgraduate work.  Should be fun and some interesting sounds..