The Colorado Symphony presents a collaboration with the Clyfford Still Museum. Resident Conductor Christopher Dragon guides you through a program of contemporary works and premieres a specially commissioned piece on this evening’s program. Powerful and awesome – massive areas of color – jagged, flame-like shapes – strange shadows, echoes: these are our experiences of paintings by Clyfford Still. How would this vision sound as music?
James Clarke’s new work for the Colorado Symphony is a “kindred spirit” with Clyfford Still’s art – a meeting of minds as two art forms explode together.
About the Composer
London-based composer James Clarke conducted archival and collections research at the Clyfford Still Museum as background and preparation for the original symphonic composition inspired by Still’s art. Clarke is a pioneering composer in contemporary classical music. He graduated with a degree in the scientific analysis of music at the University of London and a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Leeds. After teaching engagements in the UK, Germany, and Austria, he was appointed Professor of Music at the University of Baku and is also an Associate Fellow at the Institute of Musical Research, University of London. His music has been performed in major concert halls and contemporary music festivals in over 40 countries. He has a special interest in the formal and intellectual relationships between abstract visual art and music.