Three Premieres for Stuart MacRae
18th May 2007

© Chris MacRae
Echo and Narcissus is MacRae’s first piece for dance and has been written in collaboration with choreographer Cathy Marston, to a libretto by Edward Kemp. The work, which has been commissioned by the Royal Opera House, will be performed at its Linbury Studio on May 21-24. The stage will be shared by a pair of dancers and two singers, while the score combines electronics with a small ensemble of musicians.
Birches has been commissioned by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for its Highland Tour and will be performed in Strathpeffer, Fort William and Findhorn on June 21-23. Composed while Inverness-born MacRae was living in Germany, the piece recalls images of the highland landscape which filled his head when thinking of his home.
In July at the City of London Festival, BBC New Generation Artists Danjulo Ishizaka (cello) and Martin Helmchen (piano) will give the premiere of a new work written for them by MacRae. Unity explores the relationship between the two players, treating the instruments as equals and exploring their similarities and differences. It will be premiered at the Church of St Anne & St Agnes on July 11.