Libretti
I fell into collaborating with contemporary classical music composers by chance rather than by design but now I love it. So far, I’ve devised stories and written the words for recitals, concertos and operas in collaboration with musicians. Having to make space for the music, for another artist’s needs, is challenging when I’m used to controlling every aspect of telling stories with just words.
I Told It To the Sea, Afterwardness, Whitstable Biennale 2022
Collaborating with composer Dimitri Scarlato, I devised the concept and wrote a site-specific poem to be accompanied by the cello and violin of Dimitri’s stirring composition. The piece was performed at the end of the quay at Whitstable Harbour during the festival.
The Cedar of Lebanon, Lines of Dissent Exhibition, Orleans House Gallery, 2022
During my curatorial residency, the beautiful grounds in which the gallery is set were very much included in my consideration of how to respond and interact with the collection, the building and its history. The Cedar of Lebanon is one of the oldest trees in the woods surrounding the gallery and I was inspired by the idea that it was there long before we got there and will probably be there long after we depart.
Confession, The Singing Word/Vox, The Royal Opera House/Jerwood Space, 2011
Part of Genesis Foundation's VOX/The Singing Word course at The Royal Opera House and Jerwood Space in 2011. I collaborated with composer Joseph Davies, devising the story and writing the libretto of a mini opera about the transgressions of two Catholic priests.
Don't Be Afraid, The Clown's Afraid Too, Dr K Classical Music Festival, St Barnabas Church Dulwich, 2012
Collaborating with composer and conductor Dimitri Scarlato, I devised the story about the sadness of a clown, wrote the words and provided the title for this new concert piece by Dimitri. The piece premiered at St Barnabas Church and was performed by the 25 piece Highbury Grove Scholars Orchestra and St. Barnabas Choir.
Hot To Trot Love Bot, The British Harpsichord Society Prize 2013, The Foundling Musuem
Working with composer Gavin Wayte, I devised the story about a female robot who gains sentience, wrote the words and provided the title for a new recital piece composed specifically for the prize. The piece was performed at the prize-giving event and highly commended by the judges.