From Sculpture to Sound: New Music Inspired by Constantin Brâncuși
- officelondon
- Jul 15
- 1 min read
✨ A wonderful celebration of Brâncuși at 150 years since his birth at Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall last night!
Five new orchestral works inspired by Brâncuși’s sculptures and commissioned by the London Philharmonic Orchestra premiered to great public success in London. Guided by composer in residence, Sir George Benjamin – an admirer of Brâncuși himself – five young musicians created new works, taking inspiration from Brâncuși’s philosophy of clean forms and „the very essence of objects”.
🎼The composers are: Michael Taplin, Margot Pommellet, George Stevenson, Edward Mascall-Robson and Seyoung Oh. The whole project started with an in-depth seminar led by Dr Jonathan Vernon, who specialises in modern art and Brâncuși.
Evocatively titled Beginning of the World, Étude pour un oiseau de bronze (In memoriam Brâncuși), Socle, Léda, and Arcus, the compositions succeeded in bringing to the fore a powerful contemporary music translation of Brâncuși’s visionary art.
A huge thank you to the musicians of the LPO Foyle Future Firsts Development Programme and to the LPO players who delivered a seamless performance under the baton of William Cole.
We are grateful to our Ambassador, HE Mrs. Laura Popescu and to Andrei Luca, Director of the Directorate for Cultural Diplomacy, Education and Science at / Ministerul Afacerilor Externe/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Romania, for joining us at this landmark concert.
It was a glorious evening with exciting new music, a testament to Brâncuși’s enduring legacy. The Romanian Cultural Institute in London was delighted to support this initiative as part of our Brâncuși150 Season, which celebrates 150 years since the birth of our great sculptor.
Photography by Alex Coman
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