DARTINGTON 2012

Darlington Summer School commissioned two new works. Firstly COMBINE which was previewed at V22 in Bermondsey in June 2012 was also presented in Caracas in November 2012. This work combines recorded music with live voices and performance. The second was UNSUNG; a new work for voice, recorded sound and video.

Devised first as a live performance with Linda Hirst. Unsung consisted of two parts a video work and a live work. The live part was a bespoke video work that operates as a visual cue to the performances. There were a set of instructions for the performer. The length and duration of some parts can varied. Then the stand alone video work consisted of recorded images, filmed in London, Epping Forest and Darlington.

In 1964 when Robert Rauschenberg was touring with Merce Cunningham and John Cage in England, they performed a work Story at Dartington Summer School.

In homage to both of them this new work constructed and devised for the Great Hall was made specially for the vocalist Linda Hirst. Linda has sung for John Cage, worked with Berio, recorded with the Michael Nyman Band, sung at the Royal Opera House, its difficult to say what she has not done. Of course her voice is special and unique and her abilities at improvisation extraordinary. But the most important attribute above those for me is her courage. She is prepared to try and to fail.