Orchestra of St Paul’s and Oxford Philomusica
I’ve just completed a piece for the Orchestra of St Paul’s, due to be performed on 2nd February at St Paul’s, Covent Garden. ‘Dagda’s Harp’ for Harp and ensemble, is based on the gaelic folk-tale about an enchanted harp. This is in keeping with the theme of the concert, ‘Fairy Tales’. Details of the concert are visible here. It’s been a while since I composed anything for harp, so I had to reacquaint myself with the conventions of harp writing, including pedals, tuning and other practical techniques. I recently revisited the Ravel – Introduction et Allegro for inspiration (and for the joy of it!), along with other pieces from the canonic repertoire.
I’ve also completed a piece for the Oxford Philomusica, entitled ‘Ithaca’, which will feature in a concert alongside Mozart’s Requiem. Magdalen College Choir will also feature in the concert. ‘Ithaca’ will be conducted by Cayenna Ponchione a talented young conductor and friend and colleague from the Faculty of Music at Oxford.