Centre Stage
Matthew Rowan, studying for his PhD in composition with the School of Arts and Cultures, wrote a composition for a six piano ensemble which was performed by pianocircus in two workshops.
Two members of this ensemble, Kate Halsall and Semra Kurutaç, also perform as a duo known as duoDorT. They liked Matthew's piece so much that they asked him to arrange it for two pianos. This he did and they will perform his composition in King’s Hall on the 27th of next month as part of the lunchtime concert series.
During the course of his studies, Matthew has benefited from five masterclasses in guitar by world-renowned session ace Carl Verheyen and experienced a one-to-one lesson with him.
Alongside other students from Newcastle and Durham Universities, special funding from the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) for Inclusivity In Contemporary Musical Culture has enabled Matthew to work with professional conductors and musicians.
The CETL I3 project - Inspiration, Interactivity and Innovation in Creative Practice - has enabled Matthew to have other compositions performed, most notably by the Northern Sinfonia, violist William Lane, the Momenta Quartet, and Mr McFall's Chamber.
Web links to further information:
Event listing for Matthew's composition
***************************************
Would you like to share news of your achievements, or those of your colleagues or students? If so, please e-mail press.office@ncl.ac.uk "> press.office@ncl.ac.uk with details.
published on: 29th October 2008