Free Event
Lucy Nolan harp / electronics
Lucy Nolan (UK, 1992)
Calico (2023) 18′ World Premiere
Calico is a work for harp and electronics that explores an exchange of artistry between India and Britain. Just as calico designs and patterns migrated from India to the UK, so have the musical ideas incorporated in this performance. Calico explores their inevitable transformation as well as the questions of ‘ownership’ that arise in the wake of this exchange.
A swirling soundscape gradually forms, created using electronics, extended techniques and preparations on the harp inspired by the rhythmic industrialisation and machinery of the cotton industry. This is juxtaposed with sonic fragments derived from melodies from Derwent Valley, where composer and harpist Lucy Nolan is based, and South India, coming together into ever-thickening, swirling textures, complementing and conflicting simultaneously. The climax of the piece features a sudden reduction in texture and a simple arrangement of the South Indian lullaby, Nila. ‘Nila’ translates as ‘moon’, significant as the moon represents creation, birth, rebirth and constant manifestation.
Produced by hcmf//
Calico was created with the support of Arts Council England
hcmf// shorts: open call 2023 is part of the Sounds Now project co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union
Photo: © Jack Watkins
Getting There
Venue: St Paul's Hall
Accessibility: Accessibility information is available here. Further information on campus accessibility is available on the University of Huddersfield website.
What three words: ///polite.easy.rocket
Address: Queensgate, England, HD1 3DH, United Kingdom.