Calling all composers!             

Composing Through Art   

A collaboration between the National Gallery, London and LCO.

Composing Through Art examines the affinities between paintings and music, drawing upon similarities in their languages: colour, composition and tone

Student composers are invited to write a 3-4 minute work for London Chamber Orchestra players under the direction of LCO Composer in Residence Graham Fitkin.  All compositions must have been inspired by Bronzino's "An Allegory with Venus and Cupid".  Click here

Selected compositions will receive a workshop with LCO players, Graham Fitkin and a conductor.  All pieces will be recorded. 
4 pieces will be performed at St. John's, Smith Square on 6th May, and in the National Gallery on 5th June 2009.

Prizes
Sibelius 5 software
Graham Fitkin Tuition Award (James Barne, 2007 recipient)
Professional publication of the 4 final scores

Composing Through Art submission form
Composing Through Art info for composers

NB. Composers should be currently studying at a UK university, conservatoire or college.

Deadline for submission of scores 1st March 2008
Please scroll down for further information on Composing Through Art.

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Study Day 
20 November 2008, Sainsbury Wing Theatre, 10.30-4.30pm
Tickets £5

• Composers Graham Fitkin and George Fenton explored various themes from abstract elements to narrative conventions

• Students have been invited to compose a piece of music over a three-month period, inspired by Bronzino's, An Allegory with Venus and Cupid.
  

• Opportunity to develop, record and perform selected pieces with members of the London Chamber Orchestra and it's resident composer Graham Fitkin.

Students who attended the Study Day specifically examined Bronzino's 'Allegory with Venus and Cupid'
Notorious for it’s ambivalence, eroticism and obscure imagery, Bronzino’s painting is a thrilling and layered stimulous for composers. A painting chosen based on the myriad of visceral themes and connotations, which still resonate in modern life, we are hopeful that here, the music will begin where the painting ends...

Poster information

Comments from composers who attended the Study Day.

A very productive collaboration that gives composers a good chance to explore a new source of inspiration for composers.

It's a very good thing and should be developed further.  Interactions betweem dfferent art forms are a really positive source of inspiration and general cultural awareness.

...An excellent project.  I'm particularly glad that the project is aimed at students!

A wonderful initiative!

The visiting composers were excellent and have helped to inspire my career.

I've learnt to look a lot deeper into art... I can definitely apply this to compositional studies

The composers' talks about how their approach to writing music for visuals... were very interesting and eye opening

The breadth of experience and perspective was very stimulating...

...Very unusual but exciting!

Special thanks to the following supporters of LCO New: Explore
Bob & Elizabeth Boas
Iain Burns
James MacMillan, Honorary Patron LCO New: Explore
Graham Fitkin, LCO Composer in Residence

LCO gratefully acknowledges financial support from the PRS Foundation, the Musicians Benevolent Fund, Carmel Arts (principal sponsor), LCO Trust and the National Gallery.

LCO New: Explore overview
2007/08 Participants

If you'd like to share your thoughts about LCO New: Explore, or have any questions about future developments please contact Isobel Waller-Bridge.

Isobel Waller-Bridge
020 7105 6205 / isobel[at]lco.co.uk
                                              

          

        

      

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