Graham Fitkin: The Open Fund for Organisations
The commissioning of this new work by Graham Fitkin is about the creativity and innovation of Cornish scientist Humphry Davy, a most extraordinary man – chemist, inventor, painter, writer, poet – and a reminder in our age of specialisation of the roundedness of an individual who crosses the boundaries between the disciplines of arts and sciences.
Davy worked at a time when scientists conducted public experiments, often upon themselves: he inhaled substances such as nitric oxide and carbon monoxide then detailed the results painstakingly even in his intoxicated state, and his notes and detailed descriptions provide rich texts for creative work.
The commission will be a large-scale work for SATB choir, Children’s choir and Orchestra plus vocal soloists to include falsetto and deep bass (referencing the gravity of some of the inhaled gases).
Graham Fitkin composes for concerts, dance, film and digital media and runs his own ensemble of 9 soloists. He has undertaken numerous recordings, collaborations and commissions with international artists and orchestras, and has been commissioned by Hallé, BBC Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony, RSNO, BBC Orchestra of Wales, New York City Ballet, BBC Symphony Orchestra and many others. This commission is a significant opportunity to write for massed musical forces, with the energising prospect of collaborating with scientific institutions and forging new associations between arts and science.
Cornwall-based choir Three Spires Singers has a track record of undertaking ambitious projects. Commissioning this new work is a thrilling way to mark its 40th anniversary in 2021.