Gwilym Simcock, commissioned by City of London Sinfonia
About the commission
This commission fuses the worlds of classical music and jazz, and celebrates the virtuosity of City of London Sinfonia Principal Conductor and Clarinettist Michael Collins with a distinctive new work for Clarinet, Strings, Jazz Trio and Speaker. The project brings together some of the UK’s most exceptional musical talents. Part of ‘Beyond the Premiere’ series with Orchestras Live. Additional support from RVW Trust.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to create a new work, featuring the world-class City of London Sinfonia, for the New Music Biennial. My aim is that the music we create will be engaging and moving, and hopefully a fulfilling and unique musical experience for audiences and musicians alike.” Gwilym Simcock
“We are delighted to be selected for New Music Biennial. The Orchestra has a long tradition of commissioning new music, and it is very exciting to be working with Gwilym Simcock, who can lead our players and audiences to new sounds and experiences.” Matthew Swann, Chief Executive, City of London Sinfonia
More about the composer
Although principally a jazz artist, Gwilym Simcock is breaking new ground between genres and often uses classical reference points in his composed work. Aside from his renowned solo piano work, Gwilym has worked extensively throughout Europe with the cream of British and international jazz artists. His own groups as leader range from trio to big band.
His debut album “Perception” was nominated for Best Album in the BBC Jazz Awards 2008 and has been critically acclaimed at home and abroad. His 2009 release “Blues Vignette” featured both solo piano and work with his new trio. The album has been universally praised as “sublime”, “flawless” and “impressive”.
His most recent solo album “Good Days at Schloss Elmau” on the prestigious ACT label was nominated for the Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2011 and has been lauded as “dazzlingly fresh” and “world class”. In 2012 his second album on ACT “Lighthouse” with Tim Garland (reeds) and Asaf Sirkis (drums) was released to critical acclaim. His latest project for ACT featuring The City of London Sinfonia will be released next year.
Gwilym was the first BBC Radio 3 New Generation Jazz Artist. He was voted Jazz Musician of the Year at the 2007 Parliamentary Jazz Awards and nominated for the 2008 BBC Jazz Awards as Best Instrumentalist.
He teaches at the Royal Academy of Music where he was recently given the honour of ‘Associate’.
