Call for Portfolio Summer 2015

As part of the Portfolio programme, we're partnering with Mu:Arts and Royal Holloway University to offer you a fascinating and unique opportunity (for two composers) to develop your skills in writing for Japanese Noh theatre, with no previous knowledge of N oh necessary. The deadline to apply is noon Wednesday 3 June 2015. To apply click this link: http://soundandmusic.org/projects/portfolio-summer-2015

As part of the programme, you will attend the three week long summer residency Noh Training Project UK at Royal Holloway University in order to develop an in-depth knowledge of Noh. Your work(s) will be premiered at Kings Place in May 2016 as part of a two day Noh festival. You'll have the opportunity to develop new pieces in three workshops, and work closely with eminent Noh musicians including Nohkan flute player Yukihiro Isso.  Mentorship will be provided throughout the residency by master Noh practitioner Prof. Richard Emmert. 

Noh is a theatrical art form that has been handed down through generations and been labelled one of the world’s oldest performing arts. It has also been designated an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” by UNESCO. Noh is a total art form comprised of drama, music and dance elements. While often compared to western opera, the differences can be quite startling. Due to the use of masks in Noh masks, one can call Noh a “mask drama.” There are many symbols and subtle allusions to Japanese cultural history deeply ingrained in the choreography and music.

The music of Noh consists of chant and song, nohkan flute and three drums (kotsuzumi shoulder drum, otsuzumi hip drum and taiko stick drum). The latter are used for drum calls which create tempo variation and Noh's distinctive sense of ‘ma’, or space - qualities which have inspired western composers throughout the last century. Nohkan flute is used complexly and creatively to convey atmosphere, dramatic tone, and emotional intensity.

About the Programme

Sound and Music’s Portfolio scheme provides a key development opportunity for composers to create new work with and for some of the UK’s leading ensembles and presenters of new music. Portfolio enables them to develop their portfolio of compositions and gain vital artistic and practical insight and experience in working with professional ensembles and presenting organisations, and delivering new work to public audiences.

Selected composers are invited to develop a small-scale, short new work for a leading UK organisation. These are developed through a series of workshops during which the composer will work in close collaboration with the performers supported by an experienced composer mentor. The process culminates in a public performance of the new work within the ensemble’s performance schedule.

http://soundandmusic.org/projects/portfolio-summer-2015