University News Last updated 29 November
Recently appointed Master of the King's Music and former Visiting Tutor Errollyn Wallen performed with contemporary music ensemble, Thallein Ensemble, at the Bradshaw Hall on Friday 22 November. The ensemble was conducted by Daniele Rosina.
On the night, Errollyn performed five of her own songs, and the concert also featured an ensemble work for a ballet called Horseplay. Two student composers were also asked to write new ensemble works for the occasion.
See an image gallery of the concert.
Errollyn's music crosses many genres, and she has famously said of her own Ensemble X: “We don’t break down barriers in music… We don’t see any.”
The concert was aimed at all audiences, which is aligned to the vision of the Composition Department.
The concert was followed by an event celebrating Errollyn’s new book, Becoming a Composer, which consisted of a conversation between Errollyn and Head of Composition Professor Joe Cuther, followed by a book signing.
Copies of her book will be available to buy in association with Heath Bookshop in Kings Heath, which is owned by BCU alumna Dr Catherine Gale.
Errollyn has had a close relationship with RBC for nearly 20 years. Over this time, she has been a Visiting Tutor, composed for and performed at the inaugural concert for former BCU Chancellor Sir Lenny Henry, and wrote a piano concerto for RBC, commissioned by former Principal Professor Julian Lloyd Webber two years ago.
Errollyn was in-residence at RBC w/c Monday 18 November, working closely with student composers and performers, who were performing her music.
You can listen to Errollyn’s music by visiting her Spotify page.