ON RED KITE WINGS
The first stage: ICMUS students presented their compositions. Professor Agustín Fernández, ready to begin the seminar with the ICMuS group.
Newcastle University :International Centre for Music Studies Students presented works celebrating the Return of the Red Kite to our northern skies.
Trai Anfield, Patron of F0RK and Director of Enlightened Media filmed the seminar. Each composition was presented and followed on screen while the music played.
The theme relates to the Red Kite, its near-extinction and its joyful return.
Once finished, the compositions will be rehearsed by an Ensemble from Royal Northern Sinfonia, under the baton of Mark Edwards, helping students refine their works to the point when they can be performed.
Each piece is different, often surprising
Concentration
New ideas, a change of tempo or a different instrument perhaps. Professor Fernández introduced another creative composition
Trai taking a closer shot of the computer screen
Clare Satow, a local artist, created blinds telling the story of the majestic Red Kites. Northern Kites Project ended in 2009. Friends of Red Kites continue the guardianship and conservation of these majestic Birds of Prey today.
The second stage: REHEARSALS WITH A ROYAL NORTHERN SINFONIA ENSEMBLE Barbour Room Sage Gateshead In turn, students presented their compositions and rehearsed with the Ensemble.
Hannah Hawley discussed her score with Dr. James Weeks, Composer and Conductor.
Hannah listened to the Ensemble s rendering of The Red Kite.
Alex Young, centre, discussed his score with Mark Edwards and Dr. James Weeks.
Royal Northern Sinfonia Ensemble ran through the section.
Milvus milvus
Hugo Bell followed the Ensemble s interpretation of his Lament of the Red Kite.
Mark Edwards, Guy Taylor and Dr. James Weeks discussed The Return of the Red Kite.
Royal Northern Sinfonia Ensemble Conducted by Mark Edwards Violin 1 Sara Wolstenholme Liz Rossi Viola Mike Gerrard Malcolm Critten Bass Alice Kent Violin 2 Jenny Chang Jonathan Martindale Cello Daniel Hammersley James Craig Flute Fiona Slominska
Final stage: Concert in King s Hall Saturday 15 th February 2014 The audience is seated, the stage set for this inaugural concert.
The Royal Northern Sinfonia Ensemble took their places.
Professor Agustín Fernández introduced the Concert, On Red Kite Wings.
Professor Fernandez welcomed the Conductor, Mark Edwards.
An introduction to his work, The Return of the Red Kite, was given by Guy Taylor.
Rowan Leslie introduced his work entitled The Red Kite. Lisa Howarth introduced Dancing across the Sky.
Tom MacMillan introduced his composition, The Red Kite: Revolutionary Birdsong from the Land of the Ever-same.
Hugo Bell introduced his composition The Lament of the Red Kite.
Flautist: Fiona Slominska
In celebration of the return of the Red Kite to our northern skies!
This Concert reflects the collaboration of three institutions: Friends of Red Kites in the north east of England, Royal Northern Sinfonia, whose Ensemble played under the baton of Mark Edwards and the University of Newcastle, whose Advanced Composition students worked with Professor Agustín Fernández. Images courtesy of FoRK archive June Atkinson March 2014