Gwilym Simcock

On a Piece of Tapestry

This commission fuses the worlds of classical music and jazz, and celebrates the virtuosity of City of London Sinfonia principal conductor and clarinettist Michael Collins with a distinctive new work for clarinet, strings, jazz trio and speaker. The project brings together some of the UK's most exceptional musical talents and is part of 'Beyond the Premiere' series with Orchestras Live. Additional support comes from the RVW Trust.

‘I'm absolutely thrilled to be able to create a new work, featuring the world-class City of London Sinfonia for the New Music Biennial. My aim is that the music we create will be engaging and moving, and hopefully a fulfilling and unique musical experience for audiences and musicians alike.’ Gwilym Simcock

‘We are delighted to be selected for New Music Biennial. The Orchestra has a long tradition of commissioning new music, and it is very exciting to be working with Gwilym Simcock, who can lead our players and audiences to new sounds and experiences.’ Matthew Swann, Chief Executive, City of London Sinfonia

Artists: City of London Sinfonia | Michael Collins, clarinet | Gwilym Simcock, piano John Sessions, narrator

Timing: 18’44

About Gwilym Simcock

Although principally a jazz artist, Gwilym Simcock is breaking new ground between genres and often uses classical reference points in his composed work. Aside from his renowned solo piano work, Gwilym has worked extensively throughout Europe with the cream of British and international jazz artists. His own groups as leader range from trio to big band.

His debut album Perception was nominated for Best Album in the BBC Jazz Awards 2008 and has been critically acclaimed at home and abroad. His 2009 release Blues Vignette

featured both solo piano and work with his new trio. The album has been universally praised as ‘sublime’, ‘flawless’ and ‘impressive’.

His most recent solo album Good Days at Schloss Elmau on the prestigious ACT label was nominated for the Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2011 and has been lauded as ‘dazzlingly fresh’ and ‘world class’. In 2012 his second album on ACT Lighthouse with Tim Garland (reeds) and Asaf Sirkis (drums) was released to critical acclaim.

Gwilym was the first BBC Radio 3 New Generation Jazz Artist. He was voted Jazz Musician of the Year at the 2007 Parliamentary Jazz Awards and nominated for the 2008 BBC Jazz Awards as Best Instrumentalist. He teaches at the Royal Academy of Music where he was recently given the honour of 'Associate'.

Gwilym Simcock appears courtesy of ACT Records.

City of London Sinfonia

The City of London Sinfonia creates dynamic and engaging musical experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. It performs throughout London and the UK in venues ranging from traditional concert halls, to schools and hospitals, alternative venue spaces and diverse community settings. It places its audiences at the heart of everything it does, bringing unforgettable music and cultural events to them.

On a Piece of Tapestry was commissioned by the City of London Sinfonia.

Michael Collins appears courtesy of Chandos Records

The performance of On a Piece of Tapestry was recorded live by the BBC at the South Bank Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London on 5 July 2014 and broadcast on BBC Radio between 7 and 13 July 2014.

For details of all New Music Biennial commissions, visit http://www.nmcrec.co.uk/new-music-biennial

New Music Biennial is generously supported by the following committed patrons, funders and partners:

NMC Recordings is a charitable company (reg. no. 328052) established for the recording of contemporary music by the Holst Foundation; it is grateful for the support of Arts Council England and the Britten-Pears Foundation.

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