Photo: Nick Wilcox-Brown
Hayley Savage
22nd February 2008
Worcester Arts Workshop,
21 Sansome Street,
Worcester. WR1 1UH
For up to the minute information and news, please visit Hayley's official website:
www.hayleysavage.co.uk
NAS 001
Hayley’s concert for the WCGS was memorable for several reasons. The idea for the concert came about in 2007 as Hayley was completing her CD ‘Crossed Wires and Coloured Strings’ and seeking a platform upon which to try out the new programme on a live audience, before taking it across to the Long Island Guitar Festival in New York, the dialogue between Hayley and Stephen regarding new works - and new players in general - led to the historic question: ‘Why is it so difficult for a new player on the scene to get an engagement?’
The New Artist’s Scheme, a scheme for new artist’s and new ideas was born.
WCGS concert poster
It was only fitting that Hayley should have given the inaugural concert of the scheme (nas001) and, for many who came to that performance of ‘Crossed Wires and Coloured Strings’ on that chilly February evening, it was a night to remember.
As a composer Hayley’s style defies definition as only the original voice can. Engaging, dramatic, playful and intuitive, sensitive… always unexpected. Every piece invoking a unique sound-world with a breath-taking breadth of textures and colours, underpinned by an enviable solidity of structure; always something new, but absolutely – identifiably - always Hayley.
‘Some of the most remarkable music I have ever had the privilege to hear. Stunningly individual. This lady is walking her own path, sounding like nobody else and yet writing music that everybody should listen to.’
Chris Dumigan;
Classical Guitar Magazine
In recognition of the tremendous contribution to the development of the society as a charity through her work on the New Artist’s Scheme, we were honoured when Hayley agreed to become our patron.
Crossed Wires and Coloured Strings
Press Release
Celebrated classical guitarist, composer and member of the world-class Appassionata Trio, Hayley Savage will be giving a preview of her solo guitar recital entitled ‘Crossed Wires and Coloured Strings’ at the Worcester Arts Workshop on Friday 22nd Feb before she jets off to perform it at the Long Island Guitar Festival in New York in the beginning of March.
Hayley performed her ‘English Fantasia for Guitar and Strings’ with the Festival Chamber Orchestra conducted by Susan Deaver in the event’s ‘15th Celebration Concert’ in 2007 and the same concert featured the world premiere of her work for guitar duet, ‘Dodecaphonica’. Hayley has also dedicated another piece called ‘Passing Through’ to the festival director, Harris Becker. The organisers were so impressed with Hayley’s work in the 2007 festival, they invited her back.
The special theme of the 2008 event is the guitarist / composer, and as well as performing this specially commissioned solo programme, Hayley will be giving the first masterclass of the festival before rounding her commission off with a lecture at the University and finishing with a concert at the Bruce Museum of Art.
The commission meant writing several pieces from scratch and Hayley explains:
‘The programme reflects an eclectic approach on my part. I have enjoyed bringing together old English influences with American folk and Middle Eastern soundscapes. Crossed Wires and Coloured Strings is all about the unique sense of atmosphere and colour these varied and vital musical influences create when brought alongside one another.’
The Worcester concert is being produced by the Worcester Classical Guitar Society under a brand-new initiative called the New Artist’s Scheme which aims to provide established artists with a platform for new programmes and fresh musical ideas, and emerging talent with a foot-up on the concert giving ladder.
Hayley brought her extensive knowledge and experience to bear by acting as a consultant in the creation of the new initiative and she adds:
‘The scheme is a fantastic idea. It can be very hard for new artists to
break into the professional world after their studies and the scheme offers invaluable practical support and advice for young professionals hoping to make a career from the guitar.’
Music director for the society, Stephen Begley, said:
‘We are very proud and honoured for Hayley to be giving the
inaugural concert of our scheme. Hayley has an immense talent and
a very natural creative sensibility and we hope this concert will be
just one of many for her.’