The following has been written by Tilmann Böttcher as a foreword for the Symphony Concert programme that took place in Bonn, Germany, on November 14, 2017. Just the mere act of making music is like walking a tightrope within a delicate system: Every musician in the orchestra has first practised scales and done finger exercises so that during the concert … Read More
Keynote speech for the 2014 British Composer Awards
Last night I was invited by the Artistic Directors of the British Composer Awards, Julia Haferkorn and Ed McKeon, to give a keynote speech at the 2014 BASCA-hosted event. I didn’t expect the sheer amount of creativity that filled the room. It was a privilege to be able to experience the broad scope of sound exploration amongst contemporary composers of … Read More
A Feast for the Senses
We’re surrounded by sound, art and movement, which feed through every aspect of our world. From media to architecture, advertisement to passing car radios, we’re engulfed in a multitude of sounds and images that either plague or delight our senses. From buskers to classical music, pavement art to fine ‘gallery’ art – the range is broad and getting broader every day. … Read More
‘Fusional Fragments’ and the Pied Piper
When I first discussed the idea of percussion and dance I was not completely sure how this would work out. Me in a tutu? Maybe not! However my subsequent meetings with Marc Brew filled me with excitement about this brand new project. Marc’s dancers have been extremely responsive to having me on stage and in amongst them with my instruments. My … Read More
PB… What’s Yours?
During the London 2012 Olympics and Para Olympics the term PB (or personal best) was raised and talked about constantly. In the quiet early light of day as I head for New York I begin to wonder what this means to us as individuals. My life has been full of firsts, most notably I am the first person to create … Read More
‘Isles of Wonder’ – Behind the Scenes
“When I was invited to participate in the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony I was both honoured and humbled. The onus on all the people who have donated their time, energy and effort towards the world’s most prestigious event is enormous. The attention to detail has been second to none from everyone who has participated both on stage and off … Read More