Dobrinka Tabakova PULSE PULSE, commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society, brings together British/Bulgarian composer Dobrinka Tabakova and Scottish film-maker Ruth Paxton to create a new score and film. Taking the ideas of ‘pulse’ and ‘place’, this collaboration pairs Tabakova’s rich musical language with Paxton’s bold film-making to create a piece that explores the energy and diversity of life in a modern city and the driving forces behind how different societies and cultures mix. www.pulse2014.org ‘I am absolutely delighted and extremely grateful that our project has been selected. To present our work at the New Music Biennial, knowing it will be seen by such a varied audience is a privilege and inspiration. I can’t wait to get started with Ruth Paxton on this exciting collaboration.’ Dobrinka Tabakova ‘This chance to promote classical music to new audiences when the spotlight’s on Glasgow is fantastic. Supporting composers and creativity in new music is at the heart of our work. To bring two dynamic young artists together and to celebrate the spirit of the Commonwealth Games is a thrilling prospect.’ Royal Philharmonic Society Artists: Rolf Hind, piano | Richard Uttley, piano | Richard Benjafield, percussion George Barton, percussion | Robert Campion, gamelan | Isabelle Carré, gamelan Timing: 11’29 About Dobrinka Tabakova Dobrinka Tabakova is an award-winning British/Bulgarian composer who lives and works in London. Her music has been described as ‘thoughtful and approachable’ Gramophone, with ‘glowing tonal harmonies and grand, sweeping gestures [which] convey a huge emotional depth’ The Strad. Early on, the composer John Adams praised her music as 'extremely original and rare'. Among her awards are the Jean-Frédéric Perrenoud prize and medal at the 4th Vienna International Music Competition; the prize for an anthem for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, Guildhall School of Music and Drama’s Lutoslawski Composition Prize; King’s College London’s Adam Prize and the Sorel Medallion in Choral Composition in New York. Her first profile album String Paths was released in 2013 on ECM Records and was nominated for Best Classical Compendium at the 56th Grammy Awards. Tabakova graduated from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and received a PhD from King’s College London. She has been resident composer at leading music festivals throughout the UK and Europe as well as featured composer at festivals in Hong Kong and the US. She has received commissions from BBC Radio 3, Royal Philharmonic Society, Three Choirs Festival, New Music Biennial, Orchestra of the Swan, Spectrum Concerts Berlin, Voices of Ascension, Amsterdam Cello Biennale, Wigmore Hall, Britten Sinfonia. Royal Philharmonic Society The Royal Philharmonic Society unites the music profession and its audiences to create a vibrant future for music: supporting and working creatively with talented young performers and composers, championing excellence, and encouraging audiences to listen to, and talk about, great music. The Society has been at the heart of music for over 200 years, with direct links to Beethoven (it commissioned the composer’s 9th Symphony), Mendelssohn, Wagner and many of the iconic figures of classical music. CHAMPIONS OF EXCELLENCE: The Society sets the standard and lets the world know about the finest classical music making. From its historic Gold Medal to the annual RPS Music Awards for live music, recognition by the RPS is a guarantee of outstanding music achievement. YOUNG MUSICIANS: The RPS invests in talented young performers at the start of their careers, offering much needed funding to buy instruments, teaching tailored to their individual needs, or the chance to be mentored by an experienced, established performer. COMPOSERS: The Society supports new music through commissioning new work, repeat performances, workshops, residency schemes and encouraging interaction between composers and audiences. AUDIENCES: The RPS is a voice for music, putting music at the centre of cultural life. Whether a regular listener or just beginning to explore classical music, the RPS encourages people to listen and talk about music through a series of events, talks and debates. www.philharmonicsociety.uk 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. FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT: NMC Recordings Ltd, Somerset House, Third Floor, South Wing, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA Tel. +44 (0)20 7759 1827/8 • Fax. +44 (0)20 7759 1829 E-mail: [email protected]• Website: www.nmcrec.co.uk All rights of the manufacturer and owner of the recorded material reserved. Unauthorised public performance, broadcasting and copying of this recording prohibited. Recorded by Andrew Keener and Simon Eadon for the Royal Philharmonic Society at the Warehouse, London on 20 October 2013 Catalogue number: NMC DL201415 (P) 2014 RPS • © 2014 NMC Recordings Ltd .