My research is a practical investigation into the interdisciplinary methodologies used by composers and choreographers in opera-ballet collaborations where the dramatic delivery is equally shared between operatic singing and narrative dance e.g. ballet and contemporary dance idioms. A composition portfolio will accompany a thesis which studies collaborative methodologies in opera-ballet compositions and productions which reimagine distinct opera and ballet works into hybrid forms.
Selected Compositions
Stage
The Mermaid of Zennor chamber opera, 2012
Commissioned by Constella OperaBallet. “imaginative and beautifully shaped” The Times.
Mirror Shards piano & dance, 2013
Commissioned by Rambert Dance Company and premiered at Rambert Theatre
Much ado about a Buggy opera-ballet scene, 2016
Commissioned by the European Capital of Culture Aarhus (Denmark) for the Living Theatre Festival.
The Red Door opera scene, 2013
Commissioned by Music Theatre Wales and premiered by Opera North at Leeds Grand Theatre
Sideshows opera-ballet, 2012 – 2018
Initially commissioned for the 20×12 New Music Weekend at the Southbank Centre, before becoming a stage work for Constella OperaBallet and performed across the UK including performances at Sadler’s Wells and broadcasts on BBC Radio 3. Also performed by Ensemble 212 in New York. Awarded Lord Mayor’s Composition Prize and Philip Bates Prize for Composers’. “anarchic fairground fun” The Opera Magazine.
Spirit of Cornwall cross-art collaboration, 2018
An opera-ballet for Constella OperaBallet as part of the show garden Spirit of Cornwall at the Chelsea Flower Show, heard by 160,000 visitors and broadcast on BBC TV & Radio.
Large Ensemble
Aruanda symphony orchestra, 2017
Commissioned for Devon Philharmonic Orchestra
Materia Medica chamber orchestra, 2012
Written for the Constella Orchesta. Awarded ESO & PRS Composition Prize 2014.
Small Ensemble
Movement for Music open instrumentation, 2013
Winner of CMU Ensemble Call for works and premiered in the Family Staples Concert Hall (US)
Moving Figure small ensemble, 2012
Commissioned for the Manchester Camerata and premiered at the RNCM Concert Hall
Chamber
Sideshows Suite wind quintet, 2017
Written for the Magnard Ensemble and toured across the UK including Wigmore Hall.
Vocal
White Shadows choir, 2014
Commissioned for the BBC Singers an premiered at the BBC Maida Vale Studios
Solo
Guarea violin, 2016
Commissioned by the Tate St. Ives for the 40th Anniversary of the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden. Video recording online has reached 70,000 views.
In the Moment piano, 2011
Written for Julian Clef and performed at the North West New Music Festival. Awarded the RNCM Gold Medal Award for Composition
Soundscapes
The Kiss, 2012
Commissioned by the Manchester Museum and Belvedere Palace Museum (Austria) to re-create Klmit’s The Kiss in music for disabled viewers to engage with the artwork.
Full list of works available at www.leogeyer.co.uk
