Friday 15 June 2012

Bishi & The Dark Magic of Angela Carter

Photo By Julian Foxton

2012 is the 20 year death anniversary of Angela Carter, one of the late 20th Century's most influential & ground breaking writers.


A few years back, I had the joy of being one of the judges for The PRS Foundation's 'New Music Award,' where I met fellow judge & outstanding pianist Joanna MacGregor.
 

We really hit it off . So much so, that she invited me to be a part of a very special performance to close The Bath Festival 2012 entitled, 'The Dark Magic of Angela Carter.'


 MacGregor was commissioned by The Angela Carter Estate, to set to music, some unpublished poems , that I had the honour of singing as a world premiere. This very prestigious evening, also featured readings by, one of Carter's close friends, Marina Warner & actress, Harriet Walter.

The presentation was loosely based on Carter's musical selection from Desert Island Discs. We were joined by Kiku Day on Shakuhachi, Genevieve Wilkins on Percussion & Martynas Levickis on Accordion, in an evening of music & spoken word. 

 Photo By Julian Foxton

I can say hand on my heart that being involved with this show has been one of the most exceptional I've ever experienced. You couldn't hear a pin drop in the room.

Meeting Marina Warner has been particularly inspiring, having been a fan of her writing for so long. After the performance, she recounted how establishment figures, such as Salman Rushdie, revered Angela Carter's work & recognised her magnitude as a writer. I was totally blown away.

I've also been enjoying Susannah Clapp's book - 'A postcard from Angela Carter,' whom I also had the pleasure of meeting. Do buy it if you are a fan - it's a heart warming read.





I hear there are plans to bring the show to London - I really hope that this can happen!

Many Thanks to Julian Foxton Photography, The Bath Festival & Claudine Spiteri at  Livestock Productions.





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