On 23 November, the impressive space of London’s Living Room at Norman Foster’s City Hall was the venue for a series of fascinating talks focusing on the relationship between architecture and music. Architects Marcus Lee and Cany Ash introduced the design and concepts behind their buildings – the Frame House (Rowe Lane, Hackney) and the Hothouse (London Fields) – which will be the focus ‘inspirational’ buildings for student composers taking part in the Explore scheme. Richard Scott of Surface Architects followed up with an imaginative multimedia presentation which delved into the conceptual links between his own work and the music of John Cage and Steve Reich.
Diana Burrell kicked off a set of talks from composers, providing students with practical advice on planning and constructing a composition influenced by architecture. Attendees were also treated to an excerpt of a recording of her work Concerto for soprano, violin and three ensembles (2005). David Gordon provided listeners with a captivating set of live improvisations at the keyboard inspired by distinctive architectural sites around East London, including The Octagon at Queen Mary University London, Mile End – the venue for the LCO New: Explore workshop day during the EAST Festival on 6 March 2009. The morning was rounded off by composer Simon Bainbridge, who discussed and played examples from specific compositions of his which dealt with architecture; Chant (1999), composed for amplified chorus and large ensemble for performance in York Minster, and Music Space Reflection (2006), a work inspired by and designed to be performed inside buildings designed by architect Daniel Libeskind.
After a brief lunch, LCO New: Explore participants traveled to Hackney to visit the Hothouse under the guidance of architect Cany Ash and treated to refreshments courtesy of Free Form Arts Trust. After a short stroll across town in somewhat blustery conditions, the eager group of student composers were warming up inside Marcus Lee’s cosy Frame House, rounding off an informative and enjoyable day.
