Lisburn composer releases debut album

Released on 4th May, the album features the premiere of a new work for viola d’amore, live electronics and sensor, collaborations with clarinettist Joanna Nicholson (BBC Proms soloist, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra & BBC SSO) and performances by Scotland’s contemporary music ensemble Red Note.

Title track Dichroic Light builds an enveloping soundscape of the calm drone-like quality of the cello and the players own voice; on Ulation the composer uses electronics to extend the sonic world of the viola; Quartet for Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass is reminiscent of a classical quartet before gradually being twisting into something more modern; a new piece Solo for Viola D’amore and Electronics explores an intimate relationship between performer and electronics; and Three Pieces for Bass Clarinet and Electronics an exploration of the darkly ambient essay of pure sound.

The album was funded by a Creative Scotland Quality Production award which supports imaginative and ambitious new work, produced to the highest standards for the enjoyment of audiences across Scotland.

This is an evocative electro-acoustic album that combines interactive electronics and the classical instrumentation of strings, wind and piano to create a very personal body of work that reflects Matthew’s passion for electronics and sonic experience. Matthew Whiteside is an electronic alchemist who combines his many musical influences to create an electro-acoustic soundworld.

Matthew’s work has been performed internationally at Salem Artworks in New York, Dublin’s National Concert Hall, Glasgow City Halls and the Belfast International Festival at Queen’s.

To celebrate the release of the album, Matthew will be coming home to Lisburn for a special concert at R Space Gallery on May 21 at 7pm.

The concert features the premiere of Matthew’s new work for viola d’amore and live electronics, alongside Prologue by Gerard Grisey and Ghosts by Ed Bennett.

Tickets for the concert are priced £5 and are available from R Space Gallery.