Ruby Colley: Women Make Music
Ruby is a violinist, sound artist and composer whose work treads the space between, contemporary classical and folk music. Using found sound, her album Overheard ’22 sought to examine the connections between humanity, nature & the climate crisis. A further EP: Underheard, released ‘23 brought together strings, field recordings and synths. Her audio/visual commission Edgeland was premiered at the Alt Pitch festival in ’21. Ruby’s work has received extensive radio play on BBC Radio 3. Songlines have described her as “one of a range of superlative instrumental artists in England – Colley’s soundscapes are standouts among them all” ★★★★
Hello Halo by Ruby Colley for Vocal Ensemble
PRSF will be supporting the development of a new work ‘Hello Halo’ by Ruby Colley for Exaudi Ensemble. This composition will be devised with her neurodivergent brother, Paul Colley, who is non-verbal.
Although he doesn’t use language to communicate his communication is expansive and utilises gesture, subtle facial expression, sounds and behaviour. This composition will transcribe these communication methods. Using live voice along with archival recordings of Paul, ‘Hello Halo’ will be a vocal map of Pauls lived experience & the interactions between Paul & Ruby. The process aims to shine a light on the intimate complexity of neurodiverse sibling relationships as well as unconventional methods of communication. Exaudi ensemble will be the conduit between Paul, Ruby and audience.The premier of this innovative choral piece, aims to bridge the gap between unconventional communication models and the contemporary music world, & challenges conventional programming norms.