People
Chris Ferebee, St Hilda's College
I am a composer who seeks to reframe and re-contextualise traditional notions of art music while refraining from the use of sarcasm and irony. Some of these notions include tonal harmony, contrapuntal and melodic contour, narrative structure, and the Meyerian concepts of Expectation and Realisation. I find that one of the best mediums in which to achieve these goals is the use of folk music and folk instruments (specifically of the British Isles/Northeast of England and the Southeast of the United States).
In terms of both composition and musicology, I am researching the ‘Atlanta School of Composers' (which is associated with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and conductor Robert Spano) with a particular emphasis on the music of composer Christopher Theofanidis. I intend to show that Dr Theofanidis and the Atlanta school attempt to blur the lines between art music, folk music and popular music. In this vein, I am also researching the music of the Punch Brothers, Kathryn Tickell, Bellowhead and Lunasa.
I am also continuing research on nineteenth- and twentieth-century British music and specifically the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams.
I am very interested in the ideas of improvisation and experimentation especially as they relate to contemporary composition. Along with fellow postgraduate Chris Garrard, I lead and participate in the ensemble Syzygy which specialises in improvisation. I am a member of the M@SH Centre for Experimental Music where I co-directed an eight-hour new music marathon in 2010.
I am currently a DPhil candidate at St. Hilda's College under the supervision of Dr Martyn Harry.
Selected Performances
- Phantasy Quartet (2009) for string quartet. Performed: 2009, Norman Chapel, Durham University at MM9 New Music Marathon by undergraduate and postgraduate students. 2010, St. Hilda's College, Oxford University at M@SH Marathon by undergraduate students.
- The Oak and the Ash and the Bonny Ivy Tree (2009) for mixed ensemble and baritone. Performed: 2009, Newcastle University by Mr. Mcfall's Chamber and Anders Ostberg.
- Clough & Pigg: A Cacophony (2009). Performed: 2009, York University by the Chimera Ensemble.
- Precious Secret Music (2008) for mixed ensemble. Performed: 2008 Durham University by the Psappha Ensemble. 2008, Durham University at the 2008 New Music Marathon by undergraduate students.