Darkstar: New Music Biennial

For:

Dance Unity

Commissioned by:

James McVinnie

Dance Unity is a piece composed by Darkstar and performed by James Mcvinnie. It is inspired by Hull as a city and the Dance Unity parties that were held there in the early 90’s. With focus on trying to create a piece that oscillates through a series of movements and emotions Dance Unity is the result of trying to immerse ourselves in the capabilities and functionality of the organ but also the landscape of Hull as backdrop in playing host to parties that were intrinsic to the city in the early 90’s. Dance Unity feels like an appropriate reaction to the positivity galvanised in the recent election and the context draws parallels in trying to display a unified front in times of adversity.

Organist James McVinnie has collaborated with some of the world’s leading composers, producers and performers from classical, contemporary, popular and experimental music. 2017 includes solo performances and a concerto appearance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Kilkenny Festival and the Köln Philharmonie. He is a member of the Icelandic record label Bedroom Community.

© James McVinnie, September 2016.