Tag Archives: Luke Wright

Luke Wright & Riot Ensemble

Back in 2015 I wrote a piece with the amazing poet Luke Wright for the London Sinfonietta, which we performed at Queen Elizabeth Hall. It was a great experience and I’m delighted that our collaboration will continue as we develop a new piece for, and with, Riot Ensemble over the coming year or so. The first stage of development is 2 days together in mid-September to try out some ideas and get things moving. This will happen at my stomping ground at the University of Southampton and is possible thanks to Riot Ensemble’s Arts Council funding and some support from the University. Big thanks to Aaron Holloway-Nahum for believing in the project and being so supportive.

Exciting to see what happens!

Riot Ensemble with their director Aaron Holloway-Nahum

Blog about ‘The National Loneliness’

I’ve written a post for the Southampton Music Department blog about the recent performance of The National Loneliness by the London Sinfonietta, featuring Luke Wright and Juliet Fraser. I ended up conducting my piece and works by Emma-Ruth Richards and Jordan Hunt, which was really fun. Was great to write a new work with Luke and I hope we can work together again very soon.

London Sinfonietta: \\\’Notes to the New Government\\\’ – Queen Elizabeth Hall – London – 09/05/15

What	London Sinfonietta: 'Notes to the New Government'
When	Saturday, May 9, 2015 6:00pm - All Ages
Where	Queen Elizabeth Hall (map) Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road London SE1 8XX
Other Info	The London Sinfonietta will premiere a new collaborative work that I have developed with poet Luke Wright, 'The National Loneliness'. Luke will perform the new piece alongside soprano Juliet Fraser and a chamber ensemble of clarinet, violin, 'cello, piano and percussion.

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‘The National Loneliness’ Promo Video

Promo video for the London Sinfonietta’s ‘Notes to the New Government’ project featuring me and Luke Wright! Gig 9th May at the Queen Elizabeth Hall…

London Sinfonietta ‘Notes to the New Government’

I’ve been commissioned, along with poet Luke Wright, by London Sinfonietta to write a new work for their ‘Notes to the New Government’ project, which will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall two days after the upcoming UK election.

Our piece, The National Loneliness, will call on the new government is to address the disconnectedness felt by so many in society. The work will consist of spoken poems, which are interspersed with sung choruses. The poems provide snapshots into the lives of characters who are isolated in some way. In the choruses the soprano, Juliet Fraser, will act as a Siren (in the Greek sense) who banally calls us to the so-called ‘national conversation’ singing ‘We’re all in this together… in leisure love and labour’.

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

Poetry project with Luke Wright and EMFEB – 30th April

A heads up on another gig with EMFEB on 30th April at the Poetry Cafe in London. I’m working with the wonderful poet Luke Wright and am writing a musical response to his poem ‘Colonel Crampon Goes Off’ for an EMFEB chamber ensemble. The poetry cafe is pretty small so make sure you book early!