Covid-19 is a nasty little devil, and the human tragedy is immense. So we must seek solace where we can. In art, story and music, in creativity. As I applaud the key workers, the NHS, the refuse collectors, the shopkeepers who have kept me fed, and many many others (thank you!) I also applaud all those self employed artists, musicians and storytellers who have kept us sane with their uplifting, life enhancing conceits. Imagine lockdown with no movies, no TV, no, music, no books. Art permeates our whole existence, and so much free content, from Grand Opera to children’s art workshops, has been an invaluable morale booster.
My own #StoryTime4HomeTime has continued, weekly. Alongside it, I’ve been working on some short films for my friends, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, combining extracts from several classical works, with me painting furiously to capture a visual counterpart to the music. No easy task in three or four minutes., I’ve made four for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and one extra film with them for the BBC Ten Pieces project. They’ll be released, one a week I think, and the first one will be tonight: Holst’s Mars, an extract from his “The Planets” suite.
That seems especially fitting with our newly clear skies and dazzling stars visible. It is also poignant as the very last concert I was able to participate in was indeed a performance of The Planets, arranged by George Morton and performed by SÓN Orchestra of Southampton, with my friend Robin Browning conducting.
These new films, called “DRAWN TO MUSIC” were commissioned by artistic director Meurig Bowen, another good friend.
Follow the BBC National Orchestra of Wales on Twitter or Facebook to see the films. Click below… Enjoy!
BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA OF WALES – FACEBOOK
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