The ensemble at work at Middlesex University

Composers of Tomorrow

Firebird’s unique outreach collaboration with Middlesex University culminates in a masterclass and a concert this month featuring some of the exciting up and coming composers of tomorrow…

Dr François Evans, Associate Professor in music at Middlesex University gives an overview of the residency with London Firebird Orchestra

Since 2013 London Firebird Orchestra has been Orchestra in Residence at Middlesex University. The relationship enables the Orchestra to perform in a range of activities from concerts to masterclasses and workshops each year.

COMPOSITION MASTERCLASS
Tuesday 13 March 2018 6pm-9pm
Composition masterclass with Michael Thrift
Grove Concert Room, Hendon Campus, Middlesex University

This year the residency provides a composition workshop as the first stage of the Middlesex University Chamber Orchestra Composition Prize.This annual event is a key part of the Firebird Orchestra’s residency at Middlesex University.

So let’s meet this year’s chosen composers…

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Vivaswath Rao
(BA Music, Third Year)
Samadhi

Vivaswath is an opera singer, Hindustani classical vocalist and composer from Mumbai, India. He is currently in his final year of undergraduate study as a performer and composer at Middlesex University, having previously studied at KM Music Conservatory, Chennai.

Clara Fiedler
(BA Music, Second Year)
The Passage

Originally from Germany, Clara worked in music management and journalism before moving to the UK in 2015 to begin her studies at Middlesex University. She is involved with various choirs and ensembles, as a chorister and soloist, and also works in music education for people with learning disabilities.

Bernardo Gonçalves
(BA Music, Second Year)
Mirrors

Bernardo completed a music production degree in Lisbon before moving to London to continue his studies at Middlesex University. His interest in music and the arts is wide-ranging, but his main focus is composition. He has written soundtracks for films and short cues and, after graduating, plans to enter the film industry as a composer.

Sukanyan Sunthareswaren
(BA Music, Third Year)
A Wicked Love Song

Originally from Sri Lanka, Sukanyan studied at KM Music Conservatory, Chennai, before entering directly into the third year of Middlesex University’s BA Music degree course. He is an active composer, writing music for films, television commercials, documentaries and mobile apps, and in 2015 was shortlisted for Nokia’s ‘Sounds of the World’ ringtone project.

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The second stage is a performance of the winning piece (chosen by Middlesex staff and Firebird personnel) at the annual Spring showcase concert at St Pancras Church, which is accompanied by London Firebird Orchestra.

SPRING CONCERT
Thursday 22 March 2018 7:30pm-9pm
London Firebird Orchestra
George Jackson conductor

St Pancras Church, Euston Road, London NW1 2BA
Un-ticketed, Free Admission

For Middlesex University student composers, this represents an invaluable opportunity to hear their pieces workshopped. For the winner there is the added bonus of a public performance by a professional chamber orchestra. This is a rare, perhaps unique, offer for undergraduate students within UK University music departments.