Lab 25: Harry Matthews

October 4, 2019 - Uncategorized

Wednesday 9 October 2019, 12-4, CM105

The fourth season of Open Scores Lab opens with Harry Matthews presenting some recent work that explores the subjectivity of noise pollution. Harry will talk about composed and installed pieces that draw on personal testimony. In the afternoon session we will test some new work using portable speakers.

Harry Matthews: experiencing noise in composed music [12-2pm]

Harry will present his current PhD project on writing compositions using sound recordings that allow listener-participants to reflect upon their audible environment. This work aims to frame occurrences of noise within a musical context and facilitate participants to assess their attitudes towards hearing and making noise. His work addresses the idea that all sound can be noise if it interferes with the process of information retrieval (sonic or otherwise) at any given moment. He will also be talking about his activities as a composer and performer over the last few years.

Harry Matthews is a composer, pianist and musical co-director of OUT-TAKE Ensemble based in Bristol, UK. His work focuses on composing for instruments and field recordings, exploring various methods of listening to human noise. Recent works have been composed for James Saunders, Ben Jameson, OUT-TAKE Ensemble, Ensemble Paramirabo, Juliet Fraser and Leith Hill National Trust. Harry’s current projects include works for Bozzini Quartet, Material and Riot Ensemble. Harry is currently studying for a PhD in Composition with James Saunders at Bath Spa University and with Matthew Shlomowitz at University of Southampton (AHRC Funded by SWW DTP). He completed his BA in Music and MMus in Composition, supervised by Benjamin Oliver and Matthew Shlomowitz at the University of Southampton in 2016/17.

Prototyping [2-4pm]

In the afternoon session we will try out some new ideas for one of Harry’s pieces, using portable speakers and field recordings. Please bring a phone if possible.