The Tornado Project is a set of works for flute, clarinet and computer-generated sound, especially composed for virtuosi American performers Esther Lamneck (clarinet) and Elizabeth McNutt (flute).
After more than two years of combined efforts by four Universities (two in Europe and two in North America), long preparation, concerts, workshops and recording of the repertorie, the Tornado project finally got its website!.
http://www.tornado-project.org
Background
Inspired by the image of winds and wood flying through the air, Ricardo Climent and Paul Wilson conceived The Tornado Project: a set of commissioned works for flute, clarinet and computer-generated sound, to be performed by American wind virtuosi Esther Lamneck (clarinet) and Elizabeth McNutt (flute). Four works were composed for this ensemble and premiered at the opening ceremony of the NOVARS Research Centre at Manchester University in 2007. Subsequently, a fifth composition was created by New York-based composer Robert Rowe, and the complete set of works was performed at New York University in 2008. Each of the five works presents a different take on the possibilities of the ensemble: primary harmonic and melodic materials, recombinant live sampling, extended instrumental timbres, 1970’s rock, and computer- mediated formal structures.
Mini-tour
In November 2007, the Tornado Project was premiered at the Launch of the NOVARS Research Centre (Manchester, UK) and presented in New York in 2008 (NYU-EMF Foundation). Shortly after, it returned to Europe at SARC (Belfast), followed by an invitation by UNT (North Texas, USA), just before going to SEAMUS at Sweetwater, Indiana, USA. Recording sessions for a new CD/DVD work took place at SARC and CEMI, Texas and the first released of the five trio works is expected next fall 2009.
The mini tour included not only a full concert programme but also educational workshops by performers and composers, in areas of chamber music combined with electronics and new compositional techniques for these two instruments and computer technologies.
Participant Universities:
Europe:
- University of Manchester, UK - NOVARS Research Centre
- Queens University of Belfast, Northern Ireland - SARC
USA:
- New York University (NYU) - Steinhardt School
- University of North Texas (UNT)- CEMI - Center for Experimental Music and Intermedia.
