Organ Reframed 2017
Releasing the organ from its traditional roots
13th – 15th October 2017
Eight innovators came together to create cutting edge new music for a unique organ at one of London’s most loved venues
Organ Reframed challenges artists and audiences to rethink the organ. It will invigorate this remarkable instrument and embed it in the music of the 21st century. The 2017 edition of this 3 day international festival featured 8 new commissions and rare performances from musicians/artists from the UK, US and Canada.
“Curating Organ Reframed 2017 has been an incredibly exciting process. To have the opportunity to build on the organ’s rich history and bring it to the attention of a new generation of artists feels important. It may not be the most portable of instruments, but like any other it deserves a life. It deserves that life to be continued and its music to be developed, and that’s what I’m trying to do over three days with Organ Reframed.” – Claire M Singer
Organ Reframed: Six new works
Friday 13th October
Doors – 6.30pm
Composed by Mira Calix, Emily Hall, Tim Hecker, Gordon Monahan, Phill Niblock and Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith.
Performed by James McVinnie, London Contemporary Orchestra plus special guest Gordon Monahan
The opening night of Organ Reframed featured six world premieres from composers at the forefront of new music. Each with their own unique voice, from the legendary avant-garde pioneer Phill Niblock to the classical/electronic composer Emily Hall, these works show just how versatile the organ is.
“I’ve always wanted to compose for a pipe organ and am honoured to have been given the opportunity to do so. When I was studying composition in college, I remember reading that Stravinsky would always say that one’s composition isn’t complete until they’ve heard it on a pipe organ. It’s where you can truly hear how the harmonics play with each other. ” – Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith
World Premiere / Commissioned by Organ Reframed.
Organ Reframed: Daylight Music
Saturday 14th October
Doors – 12pm
With Paul Carter with Charlotte Hatherley + Seamus Fogarty & Ed Dowie + Martin White
After the transformative opening night of Organ Reframed settled down for a lazy afternoon of music, tea and cake. Remarkable organ music curated by Arctic Circle, plus the warm welcome and touch of fun the Daylight Music series is famed for.
“The incredible quality of the music is foremost. When you couple that with the welcoming, almost homely, atmosphere and the stunning venue, it’s impossible to not fall in love with Daylight Music.” – A gig goer
Steve Garrington (Low) + Claire M Singer
Organ Reframed: Low + Claire M Singer
Saturday 14th October
Doors – 6.30pm
For the second night of Organ Reframed we proudly presented a new organ work, written and performed by Low. In their 25 year career to date, Low have garnered an array of praise from critics and artists alike. Their exploration of minimalist soundscapes and harmonies have inspired covers from the likes of Robert Plant and Mavis Staples, and their most recent album ‘Ones and Sixes’ was heralded as “one of the most impressive albums of their career” by MOJO.
As their first commissioned work for organ this is a new departure and further step forward for the band.
“As a band, we are currently writing and recording, experimenting with new voices and extremes. We are very excited about the chance to compose something new – something that will challenge us and allow us to further explore Union Chapel which we have loved for so long.” – Alan Sparhawk
World premiere / Commissioned by Organ Reframed.
Support on the night comes from Claire M Singer who will be performing works from her debut album Solas.
‘..each piece is timeless and genuinely magical’ – The Quietus
Mimi Parker and Alan Sparhawk (Low)
Organ Reframed Cinema: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari with new score by Adam Bryanbaum Wiltzie (Stars of the Lid)
+ James McVinnie, LCO Soloists and the LCO choir
Sunday 15th October
Doors – 6.30pm
Organ Reframed 2017 closes with a night of classic silent film accompanied by a new score from the ambient drone mastermind Adam Bryanbaum Wiltzie. Considered the quintessential work of German Expressionist cinema, prepare for a spine-tingling experience in the grand Victorian Gothic setting of Union Chapel.
World premiere / Commissioned by Organ Reframed.
Adam Bryanbaum Wiltzie
Organ Reframed: Sound installation by Dawn Scarfe
13-15 October
Throughout the festival artist Dawn Scarfe’s site-specific installation will be in place exploring sensitivity and resonance.
All photos by Daniela Sbrisny
Organ Reframed is supported by
Arts Council England, PRS Foundation, Spitfire Audio, Wire, London Contemporary Orchestra, Union Chapel Members & Friends of Union Chapel