Sense of Time nominated for the Ivors Composer Awards 2020
Gabriel's score for Sense of Time is one of three nominations for the Stage category of the Ivor Novello Composer Awards 2020. Commissioned by Birmingham Royal Ballet and choreographed by Didy Veldman in 2019, with performances at Birmingham Hippodrome & Sadler's Wells. Sense of Time travels through a series of scenes/instances: the urban rush hour, loneliness in the crowds, machine-like office workers at their screens, and those important moments of intimacy when we finally give time to our friends and family.
Sense of Time is scored for orchestra and electronics, controlled live by a pianist playing tough grime & techno inspired bass-lines, triggering filtered crowd sounds (recorded by Gabriel in street markets of Pointe-Noire, Seoul & London), computer-keyboard clicks, and even a vintage radio playing back a nostalgic waltz (those imagined 'good times'). Time is frozen, accelerated, and even reversed.
'Super Judge' on Hungary's Virtuosos V4+ Classical TV Talent Show
Gabriel was invited to be a guest judge on the semifinal of this beautifully produced prime-time Central European TV show.
He joined judges Erika Miklósa, Nemanja Radulovic, Gabriela Bohacova, Peter Valentovic, Alicja Wegorzewska, preceding the other Super Judges: Maxim Vengarov, Thomas Gottschalk, and Placido Domingo to judge 10 remarkable young musicians from Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Serbia.
The program is broadcast November & December 2020, on national channels in the 5 competing countries, and on YouTube.
New lockdown release: 'Please Show You're Not a Robot'
During a year of increased activity, the Nonclassical record label has released two really well-received 'Lock Down' compilation albums, featuring new compositions from young composers & musicians connected to Nonclassical, appropriately called ‘I hope this finds you well in these strange times’ vol.1 & vol.2.
Gabriel shares, "I was pleased to contribute a new piece I composed during the first week of lockdown in March 2020. It was one of several sketches I made for a larger work for percussionist Joby Burgess, all inspired by a re-reading of Asimov's brilliant Robot short stores, and an ongoing interest in AI and robots. The title 'Please Show You're Not a Robot' is probably familiar from the CAPTCHA tick box found on many websites. CAPTCHA is an acronym for 'Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart,' and its increasing prevalence is a reminder of how much AI has already infiltrated the Internet. This piece is one of the first works I've made with the Moffenzeef Modular System, an electronic instrument I got just before lockdown started. It has a module that generates sound using the chip from an old dial-up modem, with which I managed to create conversational-like phrases by using a partly randomised sequencer."
***** 5 star review for Cello & Turntables Concertos Album in BBC Music Magazine
BBC Music Magazine: 5/5
’Gabriel Prokofiev's Concerto for Turntables No.1 dexterously brings together traditions old and new from seemingly antithetical cultures. Far more than a mash-up of classical orchestra and hip-hop, its stylistic spectrum embraces Baroque dance forms and 19th-century Romanticism - with a nod to then-fashionable piano duels - Stravinsky and jazz, as well as today's diverse urban street scene. The sense of spontaneity is carried into the Cello Concerto where five dramatic movements become three, arranged around the central Russia-focused Lento. From nervous agitation to playful delicacy and deep feeling, Andrianov emerges from the orchestra in a way which foregrounds Prokofiev's thoughtful optimism, so contrasting his grandfather's suffering, sardonic edge.’ Read the full review here.
Fanfare Magazine
’What I like best about this work is how it really doesn't fit comfortably within any one genre. It often has the energy of club music, and it sometimes appropriates the sounds of club music, but it would never be mistaken for actual club music. Similarly, it has the form and rigor of classical music, but it's clearly not like any classical music that you have ever heard.
The 2nd movement (of the Cello Concerto) was inspired by several family members who had a tough time of it (to say the least!) in the Soviet Union of the 1940s and 1950s. It is in this movement that we hear not just Gabriel Prokofiev's intelligence and originality, but also his beating heart. This is unsettling yet gorgeous music, weighted down by dread yet buoyed by the composer's luminous and creative orchestral writing.’
Readers Digest
Read Gabriel's interview with Readers Digest here.
The Arts Desk
Read Gabriel's self-penned article on the Turntables as a classical concerto instrument here.
CONCERTO for TURNTABLES & CELLO CONCERTO album OUT: 22/05/2020
The performance of Gabriel Prokofiev’s Concerto for Turntables at the BBC Proms in 2011 was a turning point in his career…
‘… the piece shook up what was expected of classical music, but when it was performed at the BBC Proms in August 2011 with world champion DJ Mr Switch as soloist, it met great critical acclaim. It's now become something of a modern classic and is performed in venues all over the world – whether that's a plush Victorian concert hall or an underground basement club in Hackney, it fits into both and that's what makes it so special’ bbc.co.uk
Recorded in Yekaterinburg, Russia, by Ural Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Alexey Bogorad, featuring 4 times WORLD DJ CHAMPION Mr. Switch on Turntables, and leading Russian Cellist Boris Andrianov featured in the Cello Concerto. This album is the first release of the full ‘symphonic version’ of the Concerto for Turntables that Gabriel created especially for the BBC Proms performance.
The recording was produced by grammy-award-winning producer Jakob Handel. All the sounds manipulated by the Turntables were created directly from the orchestral recording, so the Turntable part was re-recorded in Gabriel’s Hackney studio. Concerto for Turntables No1 was originally commissioned by Will Dutta, and premiered by Dj Yoda & the Heritage Orchestra, since then it has been performed over 55 times throughout Europe & the Americas, primarily with Mr Switch as the soloist. The Cello Concerto was commissioned by Sasha Ivashkin (and this recording is dedicated to his memory).
‘... the real surprise here was the realisation that what was on his discs was also in the hall and that the funky interplay between the two was like flicking a time-switch between the 20th and 21st centuries. The speed-slurring of flute samples in the meditative fourth movement emerged like a cosmic message from Olivier Messiaen and there was even a cadenza for the main man...’ - The Independent (Edward Seckerson), 2011
‘Written in 2006, each of its five movements, from the grime-influenced grooves of the first, to the gavotte that forms the last, is designed to show off the virtuosity of the soloist, displaying a range of turntablist techniques, such as mixing, scratching and beat-juggling… Prokofiev succeeds in writing for orchestra where others have failed…’ The Guardian - Nick Shave, Thursday 28 July 2011
Released by Signum Classics. AVAILABLE on CD, HD (96k24bit) & all streaming sites. LINK to PRE-ORDER & STREAM: https://smarturl.it/TurntablesCello
Beethoven9 Symphony Remix out on NAXOS - 27th March 2020
Gabriel Prokofiev’s Beethoven9 Symphonic Remix will be release on NAXOS Records on 27th March 2020, on a new album called Beethoven Reimagined, performed by BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Yaniv Segal.
The Times just gave it a 4-star review, writing that it is "an exciting 24-minute rampage by Gabriel Prokofiev...this outrageous but still loving remix certainly worked for me."
This piece (composed in 2011, originally commissioned by John Axelrod & ONPL) literally ‘remixes’ score of the last movement of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony; stretching, looping, inverting, augmenting phrases from the Beethoven original for the orchestra to play live, with the choral part sampled and played back as an electronics part by Gabriel.
Sadly the upcoming performances to celebrate the album release, at the Ludwig Van Beethoven Festival in Poland, with Yaniv Segal &
Have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New performances are planned for September.
pre-order CD or digital: here.
Debut at Zaryadye Hall Moscow with Open Sound Orchestra, 14/02/2020
Gabriel recently performed his newly developed set for live electronics and string orchestra at Moscow's Zaryadye Hall.
The performance, set in this state of the art new concert hall in central Moscow was enthusiastically received by a sold-out house of young Muscovites. Gabriel was thrilled to work with the super dynamic Open Sound Orchestra, formed just last year by their conductor Stanislav Malyshev and lead cellist Olga Kalinova.
National TV coverage on TV Kultura: NEWS REPORT & INTERVIEW:
Note to presenters and performers: this new program is now available to tour, in both string orchestra and small ensemble formats.
// Verbier Arts Summit 2020 — RESOURCE HUNGRY:
OUR CULTURED LANDSCAPE AND ITS ECOLOGICAL IMPACT
Bookended by 18 hours of train travel return trip to Switzerland, Gabriel presented import/export & Howl! with Joby Burgess at Verbier on 1st February 2020, and discussed ways in which composers can engage with the climate crisis.
More details are coming soon on a special commission for Verbier Music Festival in July, which focuses on our relationship with nature & the concept of ‘Pastoral’, which will connect to the international Pastoral Project.
‘one of the best concertos written this century’
Glowing review of Gabriel Prokofiev’s new Concertos album, in Gramophone Magazine:
‘The Bass Drum Concerto, premiered in 2012, is for me one of the best concertos written this century.’
Writes Pwyll ap Siôn in Gramophone Magazine, Oct 2019), which concludes; ‘The overall impression is of a tautly constructed and highly integrated work. While one could imagine any number of players taking up the Saxophone Concerto, Joby Burgess has made the Bass Drum Concerto his own, and the Ural Philharmonic under Alexei Bogorad clearly respond to the percussionist’s virtuoso treatment of an instrument that has resided in the lower reaches of the orchestral hierarchy for far too long.’
American magazine, Black Grooves, has issued an in depth review:
‘Throughout this concerto, Marsalis displays virtuosic talent while maintaining the utmost command of the instrument. With a style that’s free and spirited but also dark and powerful, he takes us from jazzy swing to contemporary classical music with hints of hip hop. The careful melodic interweaving of the alto saxophone with the orchestra is also a credit to the composer. Prokofiev’s Saxophone Concerto is an accomplished piece that is not simply a showcase for the saxophone, but also grows and breathes with the instrument to reach incredible moments.’
Gallery-New Work for Septet & Modular Electronics previewed at November Music Festival
New Work for Septet & Modular Electronics previewed at November Music Festival
Earlier in 2019, Gabriel visited the modular studio of producer Classical Mechanics. Enjoying the unique, custom-built modules of analogue and DIY-digital sound generators (in particular the very rare: SYSTEM MØFFENZEEF) of Classical Mechanics, Gabriel made a series of glitchy beats & rhythmic explorations. These then became the ground for a new chamber suite that directly combines the left field side of electronic dance music sounds & language with classical chamber music. Gabriel has suggested that this new work could be described as a:
“baroque dance suite but for the 21st century, drawing of the dance rhythms of our time just as Couperin, then Mozart, Chopin, Bartok did in their day”
And he explains that: “yes, there are references to techno, acid-house, funk, hip-hop, but never in a tokenistic way… The Electronic Beats are completely integrated into the classical ensemble, and the combination of classical & dance genres is handled very carefully, and the results sound natural”.
The first part of this work was premiered & commissioned by the New European Ensemble at the November Music Festival in Den Bosch, 7th Nov 2019
Concert debut in Hong Kong
In November 2019, Gabriel Prokofiev headlined the fragrant village Music Festival, performing electronics alongside forward-thinking, local chamber music collective, the time crafters
5 days, 3 performances in 3 very diverse venues — from the ‘Terrible Baby’ night club, in Jordan district, to the Asia Society, to an outdoor stage facing the Hakka hamlet of San Tsuen's inlet bay.
“Joining the musicians with laptop in hand, Prokofiev frequently followed live performances with alternative remixes, working different audiences like an experienced DJ. The same piece often varied according to the setting. Performed by the water, his Silente took on a nautical tone, with sampled crackling from vinyl records resembling waves and bass clarinet multiphonics sounding like sonar and a distant ship’s horn. Howl, a 2013 work for live soloist and electronics written during the Arab Spring, resonated heavily on Saturday as street violence escalated a few blocks away. Facing a peaceful waterfront the next day, the piece became less urgent, more contemplative.”
NEW CONCERTOS ALBUM OUT NOW
The album of Gabriel Prokofiev Saxophone Concerto & Bass Drum Concerto is available now on Signum Records, The album features world renown Saxophonist Branford Marsalis performing the concerto that Gabriel composed for him in 2016, originally commissioned by Naples Philharmonic & Detroit Symphony. Percussion virtuoso Joby Burgess is the soloist on Gabriel’s Bass Drum Concerto, which he composed for Joby in 2012, commissioned by London Contemporary Orchestra & Princeton Symphony. The album was recorded in Yekaterinburg, Russia, with the Ural Philharmonic conducted by Alexey Bogorad.
The Sunday Times:
‘Mechanised, percussive toccata brilliance sits beside a certain melodiousness in the saxophone Concerto’
BBC Music Magazine:
‘Enticingly rhythmic and built from contrasting motifs, both feature melodic reflection … The Saxophone Concerto was written for the excellent Branford Marsalis in soulful, alternately sharp and languid guise …
From lyrical swoops to edgy syncopations and off-kilter pounding, sound itself is the key… It shouldn’t need saying that the bass drum is a multifaceted instrument capable of great subtly and Prokofiev & Burgess prove it.’ ★★★★
DOWNLOAD or STREAM here: http://smarturl.it/SaxophoneBassDrum
G. Prokofiev: Saxophone Concerto – ft. Branford Marsalis–single out now…
As a taster of the forthcoming album release of Gabriel’s Saxophone Concerto & Bass Drum Concerto on Signum Records, a special ‘single version’ the 3rd movement of the Saxophone Concerto, featuring Branford Marsalis & Ural Philharmonic conducted by Alexey Bogorad, has been released (7th Aug 2019) on all digital platforms .
100 years of Electronic music: The Theremin & Beyond – 28 June 2019 @ Pushkin House, London
Two Russian-British composers, Gabriel Prokofiev and Lydia Kavina, as well as the pianist Thomas Ang, will present a program of music for theremin and electronics. The theremin, invented in 1919, kick-started the era of electronic music, a dramatic development in music which continues to this day. This unique musical instrument, controlled without a physical touch, is still one of the most intriguing music phenomenon.
Lydia, Gabriel and Thomas will perform a selection of electronic classics through to new ‘theremin versions’ of recent electronic compositions by G. Prokofiev. The program will include:
Messiaen ‘Oraison’ (‘3 generations’ interpretation: Theremin, Arp Odyssey, ROLI)
Stanislav Kreichi ‘Submerging’ (for theremin & ANS (unique Russian synth))
L.Kavina ‘Fata Morgana’ (theremin and loop station)
G.Prokofiev ‘Howl!’ [parts 2 & 3] (theremin & electronics)
G Prokofiev Five steps & Lament (theremin & piano)
G.Prokofiev ‘Strings Suite’ – Interlude, Monday, RVRSR (theremin & electronics)
C.Tarnov ‘Sonata for theremin and piano’
A unique opportunity to enjoy historic and very new electronic music in the intimate setting of Pushkin House. Tickets are limited.
19:00-21:00, Friday 28th June 2019
Pushkin House, 5A Bloomsbury Square, London, WC1A 2TA
MORE INFORMATION
World Premier: ‘Sense Of Time‘ Birmingham Royal Ballet : 12-15 June 2019 @ Birmingham Hippodrome + 25-26 June 2019 @ Sadler’s Wells
Birmingham Royal Ballet presents an unforgettable opportunity to see three stunning ballets by female choreographers, including the world premier of Sense of Time, the third ‘Ballet Now’ commission choreographed by Didy Veldman, scored by Gabriel Prokofiev for symphony orchestra & electronics.
Sense of Time is all about our relationship with time, and the current tendency to be continually in a rush. Choreographed by renowned Dutch choreographer Didy Veldman, Sense of Time travels through a series of scenes/instances: the urban rush-hour, loneliness in the crowds, machine-like office workers at their screens, and those important moments of intimacy when we finally give time to our friends and family. Rising star conductor Thomas Jung directs the brilliant Birmingham Royal Ballet Sinfonia and the electronics are performed live by a pianist playing tough grime & techno inspired bass-lines, triggering filtered crowd sounds (recorded by Gabriel in street markets of Pointe-Noire, Seoul & London), computer-keyboard clicks, and even a vintage radio playing back a nostalgic waltz (those imagined ‘good-times’). Time is frozen, time is accelerated, and even reversed.
[Photos by: Clive Booth]
Book Tickets | Birmingham Royal Ballet
Book Tickets | Sadler’s Wells
World Premier for Terra Incognita Concert Suite in Seattle 31st May 2019
Friday 31st May 2019 sees the world premier of Gabriel Prokofiev’s new concert suite of Terra Incognita, originally composed for a contemporary dance collaboration with British-Indian choreographer Shobana Jeyasingh for Rambert Dance Company. Gabriel has re-arranged the work as a concert suite in three movements for String Orchestra and Electronics, specially commissioned by Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra for the closing concert of its 10th anniversary season. The work explores stories and ideologies behind the term ‘terra incognita’(“unknown land” in Latin) which was coined as a concept during the European ‘Age of Exploration’ in the mid 15th century lasting through the 19th century. Investigating the motivations and questionable attitudes of those early colonial travellers.
Much of the electronics is created from samples of the sounds of map drawing: pencils and quills drawing lines and shapes on thick paper; slow scraping lines through to fast and aggressive strokes & stops, alongside dark analogue bass synths & percussion.
8pm, Friday, 31st May, 2019
St. James Cathedral, Seattle, USA
Gabriel Prokofiev curates the POINT CLUB in Gothenburg, 24 & 25 May 2019
As part of the new POINT MUSIC FESTIVAL, in Gothenburg Symphony Hall, Gabriel will be presenting two late night events featuring String quartet, Cellist & violin duo from Gothenburg Symphony, performing selections of his chamber music alongside live remixes and DJing.
Friday 24th May 22:30-late
Saturday 25th May 22:00-late
The Glass Piano by Alix Sobler featuring a piano score by Gabriel Prokofiev premiers @ The Print Room Coronet 26 April – 25 May 2019
Based on the true story of the Bavarian Princess who believed she had swallowed a glass piano. Alexandra thought her life would never change, living in the palace with her father, the hopeless poet King Ludwig, her maid Galstina, and glimpses of her mother as she runs across the lawn. But when Lucien Bonaparte arrives, suddenly anything seems possible. Except of course, there’s the matter of the grand piano made of glass that she swallowed as a child, sitting inside her at all times…
Excerpts from Gabriel’s imaginative, lyrical and idiosyncratic, Piano Book No.1 are played throughout the play by prize-winning pianist Elizabeth Rossiter, creating the strange musical world that lives inside the Princess.
Written by Alix Sobler and directed by Max Key
@ The Print Room Coronet, 103 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3LB
Fri 26 April – Sat 25 May 2019
[photo by Hugo Glendinning © 2019]
Bandaloop ‘Strings’ opens the Budapest Spring Festival 2019,
with Accord Quartet and Gabriel Prokofiev live on stage
Gabriel Prokofiev’s collaboration with ‘vertical dance’ company Bandaloop: ‘Strings‘ was given its European premier on 6th & 7th April 2019 at MUPA; opening the Budapest Spring Festival. Originally premiered at the Meany Centre, Seattle in 2017, and commissioned by Washington State University, this revised version featured a live performance of G. Prokofiev’s score by the Accord Quartet with the composer on live electronics. As well as string quartet, synthesiser, and electronic drums, the music features percussion and sonic textures created from close-up recordings of strings & ropes; reflecting the theme of the “Strings which connect us, metaphorical strings with which we effect, restrain and release one another”.
[photos: © James Adamson]
Techno Baroque in Moscow… G Prokofiev creates electronic interludes
for Handel’s Orlando in a new production by Helikon Opera
Premiering on 27th March 2019 (running till 31st March 2019), Gyorgy Issakyan’s visionary new production of Handel’s Orlando, edited in collaboration with baroque specialist Andrew Lawrence-King, places Handel’s drama in a Florida nightclub, and features electronics remix interludes by Gabriel Prokofiev to realise the contemporary setting.
Entitled Orlando, Orlando in memory of the victims of the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida (2016); the opera explores themes of mental illness, radicalisation, populism, otherness, social media, bullying, and more. Using multiple sets, video, full chorus, orchestra, DJ and the soloists of Helikon Opera, Handel’s Orlando is updated to the contemporary life, as was his intention in the productions of his time.
Music by George Frideric Handel, Libretto adapted from Carlo Sigismondo Capece L’Orlando (1711) after Ludovico Ariosto Orlando Furioso (1516/1532). Concept & Adaptation by Georgij Isaakyan (Director), Edition by Andrew Lawrence-King (Musical Director), Techno episodes by Gabriel Prokofiev, Design by Hartmut Schörghofer
Gabriel Prokofiev presents ‘Sunday Feature’ documentary on changing lives of Russian artists & composers for BBC Radio 3 – streaming online now
On 17th March 2019, Gabriel presented a documentary exploring the current situation of composers & artists in contemporary Russia. First looking back to the experiences of his father (artist Oleg Prokofiev) and grandfather (composer Sergei Prokofiev) in the Soviet era, he discusses how cultural life has changed in Russia over the years. Featuring interviews with composers & art historians including: Alexander Manotskov, Dmitri Smirnov, Elena Firsova, VladimirTarnopolski, Irina Belaya, Nikita Rasskazov & Andrei Erofeev. The program was produced by Chris Elcombe for Reduced Listening Productions, and is available to listen online here: LISTEN ONLINE
‘ELIZABETTA’ – Gabriel Prokofiev’s debut Opera – premiers with Regensburg Opera 26th Jan 2019 (running till June).
Commissioned by Regensburg Opera and written in collaboration with celebrated librettist David Poutney (director of WNO), Elizabetta is a contemporary, thriller opera inspired by the infamous Countess Elisabeth Báthory.
Set in the present day, Elizabetta opens as a satire of the current obsession with fitness and health, and Instagram narcissism, before delving into darker, more serious issues – such as human trafficking, the Ebola crisis, slavery, adoption and DNA testing – prompting the question: what is the true cost of vanity and our yearning for self preservation?
Scored for full symphony orchestra, electronics and extensive percussion, Gabriel brings a refreshingly 21st century approach to Elizabetta, fusing classic operatic aria & recitative with techno & dance, TV-commercials, Congolese song, contemporary classical and electronic music.
This fast-paced, 25 scene, poly-stylistic ‘cinematic’ opera is directed by critically acclaimed German director Marcus Lobbes, with projection-led design from Michael Deeg, ingenious costumes from Christl Wein, featuring Regensburg Opera’s versatile soloists and 24-strong chorus. Conducted by Chin-Chao Lin.
Theater Regensburg, Bismarckplatz, Regensburg, Germany
12 performances: 26.01.2019 – 13.06.2019
[all photos: © Jochen Quast]
Gabriel Prokofiev debut concert at Elbphilharmonie – 9 JAN 2019
– Presented by NDR Kultur Neo / ProArte / FKP Scorpio
Gabriel’s first concert in Hamburg, at the stunning Elbphilharmonie with Ensemble Resonanz & Mr Switch. A portrait concert featuring 3 key works spanning a decade:
‘String Quartet No.1’ + Live Remixes
‘Concerto for Turntables No.1’ (3 deck version)
Cello Multitracks + Live Remixes
Featuring: Ensemble Resonanz, Gabriel Prokofiev (electronics), DJ Mr Switch (turntables), Saerom Park (cello)
.
7:30pm @Elbphilharmonie, Kleiner Saal, Germany
MORE INFO
G Prokofiev portrait concert with Saarländisches Staatsorchester – 16th December 2018
Gabriel returns to Saarbrucken, Germany this weekend for the second concert of his residency with the Saarländisches Staatsorchester. Entitled: ‘INSPIRATIONS KONZERT: GABRIEL PROKOFIEV’, this concert showcases an exciting selection of Gabriel’s work:
Concerto for Turntables no1 – featuring Mr Switch (turntables)
Beethoven9 Symphonic Remix – ft. G Prokofiev (electronics)
Cello Multitracks – ft. Sarah Wiederhold (solo cello) + Peter Gregson (multitrack Cellos)
Spheres – ft. Wolfgang Mertes (solo violin) & A Tuner for String Orchestra.
All works conducted by Justus Thorau.
Russian premier of Beethoven9 Symphonic Remix with the Siberian Symphony Orchestra in Omsk.
21st November 2018, Gabriel Prokofiev’s Beethoven9 Symphonic Remix recieved it’s Russian premier, conducted by Dmitry Vasiliev, featuring Gabriel on electronics, and the brilliant Siberian Symphony Orchestra (aka Omsk Philharmonic). Greeted with standing ovations, it marks the second concert of Gabriel’s works with Omsk Philharmonic; more planned for 2020 and beyond.
More info: Omfil News+ Omsk Gazzeta
Morelia Music Festival: Gabriel Prokofiev Mexican debut. 15 & 16 Nov 2018 |
new collaboration with Collectif9 | + Concerto for Turntables ft. Mr Switch
Gabriel will be heading to Mexico on 15 and 16 November for two concerts of music for classical ensembles + electronics, as part of the Morelia Music Festival.
15 November: cellists Edgardo Espinosa, Jérémie Cloutier and Andrea Stewart will perform Gabriel’s Cello Multitracks, a work which features a ‘virtual’ cello ensemble of 5 loud-speakers alongside the three live cellists; Gabriel will join the ensemble for live remixes, and also for Howl!, for solo cello and electronics.
16 November: Cutting-edge Canadian string ensemble Collectif9 and Gabriel will perform together for the first time, a selection of works for strings & electronics: ‘Terra Incognita’ suite, the urban inspired ‘Spring’ suite, Spheres, and ‘String Quartet Remixes’. Finally DJ Mr Switch will perform Gabriel’s Concerto for Turntables & Orchestra No. 1. With Collectif9 and the orchestra of the conservatorio de las rosas, Morelia.
FIND MORE INFORMATION AND BOOK TICKETS ON THE MORELIA MUSIC FESTIVAL WEBSITE >
15 November: Howl! // Cello Multitracks FIND OUT MORE >
16 November: Remixes of Quartet No. 1 // Terra Incognita // Spring // Spheres // Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra No. 1 FIND OUT MORE >
German premier for Gabriel Prokofiev Violin Concerto ’1914’ | Charlie Siem, Roger Epple, Saarländisches Staatsorchester|14-15 October 2018
Gabriel will be Gabriel will be the Artist in Focus for the Saarländisches Staatsorchester, in Saarbrücken, Germany for the 2018/2019 season. The residency is launched with the German premier of his Violin Concerto ‘1914’, featuring brilliant young violinist Charlie Siem, conducted by Roger Epple. The concerto was commissioned by the BBC Proms in 2014 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1st World War. Gabriel explains that his aimed “to compose a concerto from a non-nationalistic, objective perspective that recognises how the traumatic experiences of the War were very similar on all sides… (and) so having this performance of the concerto in Germany during the centenary year of the end of the War is really significant..“
Gabriel’s residency will continue with an ‘inspiration’ concert on 16th December, and a further concert in 2019.
MORE INFO & TICKETS: Saarländisches Staatstheater website
Checkpoint Honjoh Hidejiro | Haus der Deutschen Ensemble Akademie, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany | 10 October 2018
Gabriel will be working with Hidejiro Honjoh and Ensemble Modern in Frankfurt this October, composing for the first time on Shamisen and for Ensemble Modern. With thanks to Megumi Kasakawa for setting this up and to Hidejiro for the commission.
The programme includes several other world premiere pieces for shamisen and ensemble, plus Dai Fujikura’s viruosic solo piece ‘Neo’ for shamisen, and works from Yu Kuwabara, Matej Bonin and Toshi Ichiyanagi.
FIND MORE INFORMATION AND BUY TICKETS HERE THROUGH THE ENSEMBLE MODERN WEBSITE >
Beethoven9 Symphonic Remix – German premier in new Chamber version: @Beethovenfest Bonn
On a double-bill with a stunning visualisation of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony by Music:Eyes, Gabriel’s ‘Beethoven9 symphonic remix’ will receive its German premiere in a newly commissioned chamber version at Beethovenfest in Bonn. This remix is a 21st-century approach to the classical tradition of ‘theme and variations’, incorporating many remix techniques such as stretching, looping, fragmenting, cutting, transposing; all applied to the original score by Beethoven. The choral part has been re-imagined with processed samples of the original chorus and will be triggered live by Gabriel alongside the Music:Eyes Ensemble conducted by Etienne Abelin. followed by DJ sets from Alexandre Kordzaia & Gabriel Prokofiev. Taking place in modern performance space: Telekom Forum, Bonn.
FIND MORE INFORMATION AND BUY TICKETS HERE ON THE BEETHOVENFEST BONN WEBSITE OR THROUGH THEIR FACEBOOK EVENT >
Concerto Recordings with Ural Philharmonic Orchestra & International guests
| August 2018
Gabriel has been recording four of his Concertos in Russia with the Ural Philharmonic Orchestra and some world class musicians guesting on the recordings:
Cellist, Boris Andrianov performing his Cello Concerto; Grammy Award winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis performing Saxophone Concerto; 4 x World DMC DJ winner Mr Switch on the Concerto No 1 for Turntables; and Joby Burgess performing Gabriel’s Bass Drum Concerto, which was commissioned for Joby 8 years ago. Alexey Bogorad, Conductor in Residence at the Bolshoi, directing the orchestra, and the recordings process is being expertly produced by Jakob Händel.
With huge thanks to Ural Philharmonic Orchestra and all others involved for making this possible. Look out for the release on Signum Records in 2019. Further information to follow soon! courtesy of @UralPhilharmonicOrchestra
KEEP INFORMED OF THE RELEASE THROUGH GABRIEL’S FACEBOOK PAGE, INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER>
Nonclassical at National Theatre River Stage Festival | 3-5 August 2018
This weekend Nonclassical brings a host of live performers and DJs to London’s Thames river front. All for FREE. All outside.
Verbier Festival: Unlimited After Dark | 20th July 2018, 10.30pm
Gabriel brings NonClassical to the Verbier Festival this week with support from the Polaris Electronic Music Festival. He’s going to feature in The Lab – L’Étoile Verbier, CHF 15.
VF Unlimited
For its 25th birthday, the Verbier Festival intensifies its commitment to artistic and cultural education and engagement. VF Unlimited combines the Festival’s Discovery and fest’Off programmes under one umbrella to offer more than 100 free and low-cost performances and learning activities.
Artist-in-Residence at Bodensee Festival | 5th – 27th May 2018
From 5-27 May, Gabriel will take part at the Bodensee Festival as Artist-in-Residence. Situated by the picturesque Lake Constance, this year’s festival will celebrate Russian music and numerous anniversaries of composers who made their mark on classical music, under the motto ‘Russia: Forward to new shores’. The festival will include performance of several Gabriel’s chamber works by renowned musicians from Europe and Russia, including his String Quartet No.2 (performed by the award-winning Atrium Quartet), Cello Multitracks (performed by Mathias Johansen), extracts from his Piano Book No.1 (performed by pianists Dmitry Masleev and Hanna Bachmann) & Howl! (Caroline Wüst). Gabriel will be on stage as DJ/electronics at the opening concert and at Nonclassical club nights on the 9th, 11th, 12th & 17th May, and will also curate & perform at an event exploring Russian film and music where guest musicians will perform new sound-tracks composed by Gabriel to vintage Russian films (selected by Gabriel) such as Pudovkin’s ‘Chess Fever’ & Eisenstein’s ‘Glumov’s Diary’.
Classical Music Rave heads to Belgium | 21st April 2018
Classical Music Rave comes to Belgium for the first time, and Gabriel will host the night as DJ at the Muziekcentrum De Bijloke in Gent. Classical Music Rave was launched five years ago by Brendan Jan Walsh (Artistic Director) in the Netherlands as a way to challenge the norms of how to listen and respond to classical music. Classical Music Rave combines the elements of a party/rave (industrial venue, impressive lights and energetic atmosphere) with the rhythms and pulse of classical music.
(Photo © Ernst Ruijgrok)
London Preview of ‘Spring’ by Gandini Juggling and Alexander Whitley
| 12th April 2018
Following on from the world premiere of ‘Spring’ at Cambridge Junction last month, Gandini Juggling and Alexander Whitley Company continue their tour around the UK and Europe as they perform at Arts Depot in London on 12th April. Performed to an original score by Gabriel, ‘Spring’ brings together virtuoso jugglers and contemporary dancers and “challenges impressions of movement and physicality, embracing deconstructed rhythms and jubilant patterning.” This performance is also part of the Roundhouse’s CircusFest 2018, London’s biennial international festival of contemporary circus.
Nonclassical ‘Rise of the Machines’ returns to London | 18th March 2018
‘Rise of the Machines’ returns as Nonclassical explores the influence of computers and artificial intelligence on music. Featuring a 30-piece orchestra, conductor Jessica Cottis and Nonclassical DJs, this experimental classical club night will showcase the world premiere of Concerto for Drum Machines and Orchestra, bringing the sounds of dance music and hip-hop to the classical world. Gabriel will perform during the night as DJ. Rise of the Machines #2 will take place at Village Underground, London on Sunday 18th March 8pm.
(Photo © Nick Rutter)
ZOFO premieres Robert Fry ‘Untitled Etching 3’ in USA | 27th Jan 2018 (World Premiere)
American piano duo ZOFO (Eva-Maria Zimmerman and Keisuke Nakagoshi) gave the world premiere of Gabriel Prokofiev’s ‘Robert Fry Untitled Etching 3‘ on 27th January at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, as part of their groundbreaking multimedia project ZOFOMOMA. For this project, Gabriel (alongside other composers from all corners of the globe) was asked to select ‘a painting that represented his culture as a springboard to the creative process.’ He chose Robert Fry‘s painting ‘Untitled Etching 3‘ for its “rich character and intrigue”. ZOFO will perform this work across the USA, in venues including National Sawdust in New York, University of California at Davis, & Tuscon Museum of Art, Arizona.
(Photo © Robert Fry ‘Untitled Etching 3′)
Gandini Juggling presents ‘Spring’ in Cambridge | 7th Feb 2018 (World Premiere)
Gandini Juggling and Alexander Whitley Company join forces to perform their visually arresting new work, ‘Spring’. This cutting edge work is ‘a kaleidoscopic, colourful and virtuosic production and a philosophical reflection of the nature of colour and how we perceive it, combining dazzling circus skills with gorgeous choreography.’ ‘Spring’ will be performed to original music composed by Gabriel, with the world premiere taking place at Cambridge Junction on 7th February.
(Photo © Martin McLachlan)
Gabriel Prokofiev x Oscillations present: ‘Strange Blooms’ launch at Dalston Den, London // 15th December
A rare London performance from composer Gabriel Prokofiev. At this concert, Gabriel will launch his new electronic album: STRANGE BLOOMS + HOWL! - a deep-listening journey of meticulously composed contemporary electronic music, on a special surround-sound diffusion system in the intimate setting of Dalston Den (15th December). The two main works being presented were created entirely from the sounds of two very contrasting keyboard instruments: - STRANGE BLOOMS is created entirely from super detailed processing of a Baroque Harpsichord from a recording Gabriel made of Jane Chapman performing ‘La Complaignante’ by Louis Couperin. The new album versions were specially reworked as listening-only version. ‘La Complaignante’ by Louis Couperin, will be performed live by Harpsichord virtuoso Jane Chapman to open the concert. For Howl! Gabriel will be joined by Argentinian violinist Herman Ringer. Then… as a contrasting extra, Gabriel & Herman will perform excerpts from the sound-track of the new ITVX drama ‘Litvinenko’, whose international streaming premier coincides with this concert. The evening will close with DJ-sets from Gabriel, and special guests TBA. CDs of the new album will be available at the event, direct from the manufacturer, and also the limited edition lathe-cut 12" vinyl of HOWL!
More info and tickets here.
G Prokofiev ‘nonclassical’ debut in Istanbul @ Borusan Music House
Gabriel will be presenting the Turkish premier of Cello Multitracks & ‘Howl’ at the Borusan Music House, Istanbul this Saturday 16th December, along with very talented Turkish cellist, Çağlayan Çetin from Borusan Philharmonic Orchestra. Also performing in the night is nonclassical label-mate: Klavikon performing his Turkish debut. The night will end with a DJ-set from Gabriel.
Saturday 16 December 2017, doors 8:30pm, live music from 9pm
@ Borusan Music House, Istanbul, Turkey [info]
Sound UP festival present the debut portrait concert of Gabriel Prokofiev – Moscow, 4th Dec ’17
SoundUp Festival will present a full evening concert of a selection of Gabriel’s orchestral and chamber music. The program will include: Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra performed by the New Music Studio Ensemble and the No1 Russian Turntablist: DJ Tactics, (who has performed on stage with the likes of Snoop Dogg and Diplo), Cello Multitracks with Cellist Boris Andrianov, Russian premiers of String Quartet No2, Spheres and more…
4th Dec 2017 @ 20:00 The Palace of the Unions, Bolshaya Dmitrovka St, 1, Moscow, Russia.
G Prokofiev Polish Debut – Szczecin, 21 Oct ’1
Gabriel has been invited to present his chamber music, live remixes & electronics at the SOUNDLAB series of the Filharmonia Szczecin. Program will include: Concerto for Turntables No1 performed by world champion Turntablist Mr. Switch (in 3-deck version without orchestra), String Quartet No.1, Cello Multitracks & Howl! featuring musicians from Filharmonia Szczecin, with DJ-sets & live remixing from G Prokofiev. Saturday, 21st October 2017, 19:00 @ Filharmonia Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland [info]
World premiere of new Charlotte Ginsborg film ’22:22’ scored by G. Prokofiev
Saturday 14 October 2017 6:30pm @ BFI, Southbank Centre, London, as part of the London Film Festival. A fantastical documentary about Tom Sietas, world record breaker for Static Apnea. Gabriel composed two new piano pieces specially for the film, which were recorded by Ukrainian pianist Génia and then electronically re-worked to complete the score, and choreographed to by Kiril Burlov (Rambert Dance). [info]
Concerto for Turntables No1 – RUSSIAN PREMIER, 6th Oct2017
On 6th October 2017, Gabriel’s well travelled Concerto for Turntables No1 (2006) finally received it’s Russian premier at the opening concert of the Eurasia Festival in Yekaterinburg, performed by Ural Symphony conducted by Dmitry Lisa with Mr. Switch as soloist. Greeted with a standing ovation the concert was simultaneously video streamed to 28 towns in the Sverdlovsk region. On the following night Gabriel presented a ‘Nonclassical Night’ in the Dom Pechaty (Print House) night-club with the symphony’s resident string quartet and principal Cellist performing chamber works and live remixes by Gabriel, plus special DJ-set from Mr Switch. [press: Ural-Meridian | EA News ]
5-7 October: ‘STRINGS’ Premiers in Seattle
5-7 October 2017: World premiere of ‘Strings‘ by BANDALOOP with new music by G. Prokofiev. Ground-breaking contemporary dance with ropes and strings from Bandaloop with a specially commissioned score by Gabriel Prokofiev created from processed samples of sisal string, 80s analog synthesizers, vintage drum machines and cellos.
@ Meany Center for the Performing Arts, Seattle, USA [info]
5th Oct- 5th Nov: ‘Seoullo’ new site specific work for Seoul Biennale of Architecture
5 October – 5 November 2017, A New site-specific work composed by Gabriel Prokofiev, will be available to anyone within the GPS coordinates of the Seoullo botanical pedestrian bridge via the Musicity App. Commissioned by Musicity for the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism with support from British Council Korea, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Seoul Design Foundation, among others: 3 UK composers & 4 Korean composers have created 7 site-specific works for significant locations in Seoul. Gabriel’s work is an analogue synth composition for headphone listening while walking, with percussion made from the branches & leaves from some of the species of trees & plants found on the Seoullo bridge (Seoul’s answer to New York’s High-Line).
@ Seoullo 7017, Seoul, South Korea. [more info]
Gabriel Prokofiev awarded ‘Honorary Fellowship’ by Goldsmiths
20th July 2017 – Gabriel Prokofiev was awarded an ‘Honorary Fellowship’ by Goldsmiths College, University of London for achievements in the field of music, as “an inspirational individual who has the potential to act as a champion or supporter for the university”.
Wonderfeel Festival, Holland
22nd July 2017 – Wonderfeel Festival, Holland
Nonclassical’s debut club-session at this mainly acoustic, classical only festival featured serious-listening contemporary classical through to a hard-dancing silent disco. Gabriel performed live electronics & DJ sets alongside performance by Julian Elvira (Pronomos Flute & Sub Contrabass Flute) and the Loebyk Violin Duo (Maria Bykova & Guilherme Marques, giving dutch premier of Gabriel’s Violin Duo), as well as the DJ re-match between Gabriel Prokofiev and Classical Rave founder: Brendan Van Walsh.
Wonderfeel in 60 seconds:
Malta International Arts Festival
8th July 2017 – Malta International Arts Festival, St George’s Square, Floriana, Malta.
Gabriel made his Maltese debut with two premier performances at MIAF…
Performed on this intimate stage were Gabriel Prokofiev’s Cello Multitracks, featuring Christopher Greenhalgh on cello, as well as his Concerto for Turntables, with soloist DJ Mr Switch (three decks version). Gabriel featured as DJ and live-remixer, and closed the night with back-to-back DJ-set with Mr Switch.
When The City Rules – Sevilla
22nd & 23rd June 2017 – Real Orquesta Sinfónica de Sevilla will perform Gabriel’s Symphonic urban fantasy When The City Rules in Teatro de la Maestranza in Sevilla, conducted by John Axelrod. ROSS & Axelrod co-commissioned the work along with Seattle Symphony, and they will perform the extended version (29 minutes) for the first time. This work explores the stories and characters imbedded in a city’s history as well as the energy of modern urban life; shifting perspectives from the individuals (with solo flute, cello, trumpet, harp & saxophone), to the architecture of the city. Link to Concert program Press: El Correo / Diario de Sevilla / Memeteria / Seattle Gay News
G Prokofiev guest on Dutch TV
7th May 2017 – Gabriel was a guest on the live classical music show: Podium Witteman in Amsterdam, Netherlands. After discussing his work he performed a short live remix of Cello Multitracks, and then Cellist, Mascha Van Nieuwkerk performed his piece: Float Dance, (with Multitrack parts by Peter Gregson).
The End of St Petersburg – G Prokofiev co-creates new live score
5th May 2017 – Nonclassical & Dash Arts presented ‘Sounds of the Revolution’ as part of the British Library’s ‘Late at the Library’ after-hours events. The night closed with a live score to Vsevelod Pudovkin’s masterpiece: The End of St Petersburg, co-composed by Gabriel Prokofiev & Alexander Manotskov for an octet of improvising musicians from Russia & the UK. Also featured was Gabriel’s Electronic work Howl!, performed for the first time with Theremin (by Lydia Kavina) [more info]
G Prokofiev Composer Residency with Real Orquesta Sinfónica de Sevilla begins
Gabriel arrived in Sevilla this week (17th April 2017) for rehearsals of his ‘Beethoven9 Symphonic Remix’, marking the beginning of his Composer Residency with Real Orquesta Sinfónica de Sevilla.
His 25 minute Symphonic Remix of the last movement Beethoven’s 9th Symphony was originally commissioned by John Axelrod in 2011, and Axelrod will conduct two performances in Teatro de la Maestranza in Sevilla on Thurs 20 & Friday 21 April. This audacious and dynamic work is based entirely on materials from the original Beethoven score, and it uses traditional theme & variation techniques as well as more contemporary ‘remix’ methods to create a very modern tribute to Beethoven’s masterwork. In this ‘remix’ the original choral part has been sampled and transformed into a live electronics part which will be performed by the composer himself for these performances.
New Collaboration with Leticia Moreno, Andrey Boreyko & Naples Philharmonic
30th March 2017 saw the world premier of ‘Olga’s Miniatures’ commissioned by Andrey Boreyko & Naples Philharmonic. Performed with great sensitivity and received with much warmth and enthusiasm from the Naples audience, this characterful work is made up of 4 miniature movements. It is inspired by several abstract paintings (Albers, De Kooning, Tobey, Nevelson) and a smile (Picasso, photo above) from Olga Hirschhorn‘s collection of miniatures (which is housed in the galleries of the performance venue, Artis Naples.
After the success of this first collaboration, Gabriel & Leticia plan to work together again in the near future, with Leticia keen to perform Gabriel’s other works for Violin & Orchestra, as well as plans to work on a violin + live electronics project.
Orchestral Debut with Detroit Symphony
Gabriel’s Saxophone Concerto, which was premiered last year in Naples Florida, is coming to Detroit for 3 performances by Detroit Symphony (who co-commissioned the work) on 24 & 25th March, with the incomparable Branford Marsalis returning as soloist alongside Russia maestro Andrey Boreyko who also conducted the premier. @ Orchestra Hall, Detroit, USA [info] The concert will be broadcast live from the DSO website at 8pm (EDT) on Friday 24th.
New Trumpet + Electronics collab with Alison Balsom
On 12th March 2017, ‘Broken Screen’, a new collaboration between Gabriel & trumpeter Alison Balsom was premiered in the Royal Albert Hall, as part of the Alison Balsom & Friends concert. This work pitched Alison, performing a demanding score of rapid syncopated motifs & moody lyrical lines, against Gabriel’s grimey analogue-synth basslines performed on a special Roli RISE49 rubber-coated controller & gritty beats and crunchy electroacoustic textures. This work is the beginning of a new series of works Gabriel is composing for Electronics & solo instruments, more performances to come later in 2017…
‘Dark Glow’ well recieved debut with Stuttgart Ballet
Gabriel’s score for symphony orchestra and live electronics, was composed in close collaboration with rising star choreographer Kasia Kozielska, and explored the theme of a society being seduced by new technologies. Featuring dark pulsing synthesisers and tough electronic percussion against swirling orchestral textures, and dreamy solos, it was the longest work on a quadruple bill featuring works by: Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui + Debussy, Marco Goecke + Weber, Maurice Béjart + Ravel. Sold-out for all 11 performances in February & March 2017. video trailer / SWR TV preview
When the City Rules – 22nd Sept 2016
A rapturous response from the Seattle public to Gabriel’s latest orchestra work at its world premier by Seattle Symphony conducted by Ludovic Morlot this Thursday in Benaroya Hall.
When the City Rules is a 25 minute symphonic exploration of contemporary city life which explores both the architecture and voices from the past, as well as the frenetic, technology led urban experience of the modern times. Perspectives shift from close-up and intimate moments featuring Cello, Flute, Trumpet, Saxophone & Harp Solos, through to powerful orchestral depictions of the city structures and landscapes.
Seattle Times journalist, Thomas May has written an in depth review in his blog: Memeteria [click here].
Seattle will give a total of 3 performances [Tickets here].
The work was co-commissioned by Seattle Symphony (supported by Norman Sandler and Dale Chihuly) & Real Orquesta Sinfonica de Sevilla, who will give the European premier on 22nd June 2017.
Concerto for Turntables No2 – world premier
10 years after his internationally acclaimed 1st Concerto for Turntables – Gabriel’s ‘sequel’ was premiered on 29th July 2016 in Porto.
Commissioned by the Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música, conducted by Baldur Bronniman & featuring world champion DJ Mr. Switch on Turntables, this 2nd concert was premiered in the Casa da Musica, and then given a second (outdoor) performance in the town square of Maia (suburb of Porto) to an audience of over 6000. This concert was the second in Gabriel’s artist in residence at Casa da Musica, and also included 2 movements from his Concerto for Bass Drum. After the premier, a late-night ‘nonclassical’ event in the Casa da Musica bar with Gabriel performing live remixes with the ‘Evandra Ianina’ violin duo. More info + video
Two Caprices for Violin & Orchestra
Standing Ovation for Nemanja Radulovic & Gabriel Prokofiev at world premier with OPPB & Fayçal Karoui in France, 22nd June 2016.
The four concerts of Gabriel’s Two Caprices for Violin & Orchestra (specially composed for the extraordinary virtuoso violinist Nemanja Radulovic), marked the end of his 2 year composer residency at Orchestre de Pau Pays de Béarn. In those 2 years Gabriel composed 5 new orchestral works for the OPPB, and developed a close relationship with the musicians and team. [more info & concert program here]
Interview on BBC Newshour
Nonclassical ‘Rise of the Machines’ series discussed LISTEN HERE
Sunday 21st Feb 2016, Gabriel is interviewed by James Coomarasamy on BBC World Service, about the upcoming Nonclassical ‘Rise of the Machines’ series of events, which will feature the UK premier of his Concerto for Trumpet, Percussion, Turntables & Orchestra, performed by Southbank Sinfonia, conducted by Gerry Cornelius, ft. DJ Mr. Switch (Turntables). more info coming soon at: www.nonclassical.co.uk – dates here:
WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016: The Victoria, Dalston
Tom Richards // Ensemble x.y // Dead Fader
THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2016: venue TBA
Panel discussion on the rise of machines in music
FRIDAY 15 APRIL 2016: Ambika P3, University of Westminster, Baker Street, London
Orchestral night with SouthbankSinfonia including:
Gabriel Prokofiev – Concerto for Turntables, Trumpet, Percussion & Orchestra (UK Premiere)
Aphex Twin – Cock Ver.10 (arr. Stefan Freund) & Blue Calx (arr. Caleb Burhans)
Larry Goves – new work & more to be announced…. // + Nonclassical DJs
Debut SAXOPHONE CONCERTO for BRANFORD MARSALIS – coming in March
Gabriel recently finished his new saxophone concerto for Branford Marsalis, slated for premiere in Naples, Florida on March 17-18, 2016. Co-commissioned by the Naples Philharmonic and Detroit Symphony, the concerto will be performed by Marsalis and the Naples Philharmonic in a concert entitled Star-Crossed Prokofiev alongside “Romeo and Juliet” suite written by Gabriel’s grandfather Sergei Prokofiev. [info here]
Gabriel is thrilled to write for Marsalis, who is also acclaimed for his genre-bending work traversing multiple musical realms. A recipient of the NEA Jazz Masters Award, Marsalis has collaborated with artists ranging from Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie to Sting, The Grateful Dead, and Spike Lee. Detroit Symphony will premiere the work in Spring 2017.
19th September 2015: VIENNA REMIX
@ BOZAR, Brussels // performances: 19:00, 21:00, 23:00
This post-modern / de-re-constructive project: ‘Vienna Remix’ will feature original movements from two Viennese Classics: Webern’s Five Movements for String Quartet, and Mozart’ss Piano Quartet no.1 which will be answered by genre-breaking Remixes from Gabriel Prokofiev & Beni Giles of the Nonclassical Remix Collective. The Remixes will be performed by Gabriel Prokofiev on Electronics with musicians from EUYO, who will be remixing live, the original repertoire they have just performed. They will be joined on stage by dancer/choreographer duo: Tiran Willemse & James McGinn. The program will climax with a DJ + ensemble improvisation, and ends with an unexpected remix of a celebrated ‘unfinished’ Viennese favourite.
more info: http://www.bozar.be/en/activities/102318-vienna-remix-feat-gabriel-prokofiev
part of: BOZAR MUSIC OPENING NIGHT 19:00 > 02:30 /// MUSIC – INSTALLATIONS – CLUBBING (AT 23:30 WITH ZUKUNFT)
May-June 2015: Violin Duos & Ballet debut in China //
Retorica Violin Duo are touring China in May 2015 performing Gabriel’s Violin Duo No1 (which they commissioned in 2014) at their recitals in 7 major concert halls around China // AND // Richmond Ballet are reprising ‘Swipe’ by Val Caniparoli which uses music from Gabriel’s String Quartets + Remixes for their 5 date tour of China.
RETORICA TOUR OF CHINA
22 May Dalian Theatre, Dalian
23 May Shandong Grand Theatre, Jinan
24 May Shanghai Daning Theatre, Shanghai
26 May Chateau Star River Conference Center, Taiyuan
29 May Jinchang Grand Theatre, Jinchang
31 May Nanjing Culture and Art Centre, Nanjing
1 Jun Tianjin Grand Theatre, Tianjin
RICHMOND BALLET CHINA TOUR 17 May – 1 June 2015
– National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing
– Dezhou Grand Theatre
– Shenghui Grand Theatre, Jina
– Shanghai Grand Theatre
BAYADERE – The Ninth Life /// SOLD-OUT at Royal Opera House
Gabriel’s new collaboration with celebrated choreographer Shobana Jeyasingh is on at the Linbury Theatre @ the Royal Opera House: for 4 nights: 25-28th March 2015. SOLD OUT, but returns available. Then it goes on tour, returning to London on 6th May 2015 @ Watford Palace Theatre. Bayadère – The Ninth Life, is Shobana Jeyasingh’s thought-provoking, personal response to the classic 19th century ballet: La Bayadère. Gabriel Prokofiev’s electroacoustic music was created by processing & re-composing recordings of the Minkus score from the original ballet, punctuated by the text of 19th century dance critic Théophile Gaultier (read by Ben Lloyd-Hughes) & piano, strings + percussion. A brilliant insight article about the work can be found on the Royal Opera House website click-here.
Guardian: **** review here // The Times: **** // FT: *** review here.
// GABRIEL PROKOFIEV
Selected Classical Works 2003-2012
Featuring: The Elysian Quartet // The Heritage Orchestra & DJ Yoda // Peter Gregson // Powerplant // GéNIA
The album, released as part of the year long celebrations marking Nonclassical’s 10th anniversary, includes the complete recordings of Gabriel Prokofiev’s String Quartet No.1 and String Quartet No. 2 performed by the Elysian Quartet as well as all four movements of Cello Multitracks performed by Peter Gregson. Gabriel has also chosen two movements from Concerto for Turntables & Orchestra performed by The Heritage Orchestra ft. DJ Yoda (ii Adagietto ‘Irreguluv’-75BPM // iii Largo Pesante-Allegro-Largo ‘Malmo’-62/125BPM), a selection of four pieces taken from Piano Book No.1 as performed by GéNIA (Clock Watt // Entrance // Rockaby // Black Sauce) and finishing with Voyage II Engine Multiplier taken from Import/Export performed by Powerplant.
The front cover of the CD shows the composer at the window of the building in London where he has composed all of the works on this album and where he has based his recording studio for the last 12 years.
AVAILABLE on CD & download DIRECT from Nonclassical RECORDINGS:
www.nonclassical.co.uk
And from itunes, and all decent record shops.
G Prokofiev Violin Concerto No1 ‘1914’
WORLD PREMIER & TOURING with soloist: Daniel Hope
// 31 Aug 2014 //
World premier from BBC Proms – broadcast on BBC4 TV –
Violin: Daniel Hope // Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic / Conductor: Sascha Goetzel
State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia / Conductor: Vladimir Jurowski
// 13 Sept 2014 // Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, Moscow – info/tickets
// 15 September // Tyumen- Tyumen Philharmonic concert hall
// 16 September // Chelyabinsk- Glinka Theatre of Opera and Ballet
// 22 October 2014 //
Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg / Conductor: Sascha Goetzel
Salle de Concerts Grande-Duchesse Joséphine-Charlotte, Luxembourg
http://www.philharmonie.lu/en/programm/war-and-pieces/438
VIOLIN CONCERTO REVIEWS:
Several very positive reviews of world premier of G Prokofiev Violin Concerto ‘1914’, performed by Daniel Hope & Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic under conductor Sascha Goetzel at the BBC proms 29th July 2014:
‘…the sheer dislocating bitterness of the writing, both for Daniel Hope, the superb soloist, and for the orchestra…it’s the best thing Gabriel Prokofiev has written.’
The Times, ★★★★ (Richard Morrison), 2014
‘the programme for this work is indeed specific, including savagery, shell-shock, and sardonic imperial marches: the rationale is pure Shostakovich, though more literal. Daniel Hope, the instigator of this work, played its stratospherically high solo part with flawless accuracy.
The Independent, ★★★★
“One work, however, stood apart. Daniel Hope was the soloist in the world premiere of Gabriel Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No 1 “1914” – an ambitious depiction of Europe’s descent into war. It contained some startling effects. The BIPO sounded good in it, and Hope impressed by playing atrociously difficult music from memory.”
The Guardian, ★★★★ (Tim Ashley) 2014
‘it created an extraordinary atmosphere, at once sombre, tender and surreal’
The Daily Telegraph, ★★★★ 2014