There are several projects that we would like to offer to your institution. Presented below are the core aims and benefits of each scheme; these will be tailored to the needs of your department.
I. Composition Workshop
Description
A series of workshops with the Mercury Quartet in conjunction with your composition professor/s (public/private) culminating in a performance (public/private) of the works with/without the addition of other repertoire in the programme.
Format
Anything from 1 day to a week.
The longer the project the more scope there is for customisation. Aside from the daily workshops on the composers pieces, we can:
Programme several concerts throughout the week.
Hold an improvisation workshop.
Offer demonstration performances and classes on extended techniques.
Hold 'sketch' workshops – where any material can be brought and tried.
Aims
This is an opportunity for your students to:
- Have a deadline for submission of a work pre workshop date to allow it to be rehearsed in preparation for the workshop/s and performance.
- To deal with the changes and decisions that must be made in a short space of time and a pressured situation.
- Try ideas, bring sketches and immediately see the evidence of score alteration.
- Experiment and explore extended technique on a one to one and group basis.
- Discover firsthand the perception a performer will have of their score and performance problems they find therein. For example things that are written in an unnecessarily complicated fashion when something quite simple would have a similar effect.
- Test and respect the capabilities of the instruments being written for.
- Where possible, have their work enter the repertory of The Mercury Quartet.
II. Messiaen's 'Quartet for the End of Time'
Description
A workshop followed by an evening recital to include the Messiaen. So much history, mythology and intrigue surrounds this piece – an informative and communicative tour of the Quartet for the End of Time will reveal its secrets in an accessible and interesting fashion.
Format
Usually an afternoon with evening recital.
Aims
- To bring this masterpiece to as many fresh ears as possible and enrich the experience for those who already know it.
- Depending on the age, interest and level of your students this may be a project that you at first think inappropriate. However, we have found that it resonates with almost anybody if properly explained and performed live. By this maxim we'd encourage as many people to attend as possible, not just those doing A level/Undergraduate music courses. It appeals to many people on a variety of levels considering it's unique sound, conditions of composition and rich history. The aim of the workshop is to immerse your students in the gravitas of the work, thus when they see the performance they will be captivated.
III. Free Improvisation Workshop
Description
Workshop and demonstration sessions followed by an evening gig (preferably) in a bar or concert hall.
Format
Usually a day with a gig beginning around 9pm.
Aims
- To involve your students as much as possible in improvisation sessions and workshops.
- To inject freedom into their music through the experience of improvisation.
- To present the acoustic 'classical' music idiom in a progressive and accessible context.
- To plan an evening gig with your students using PA system, DJ and student artists alongside and/or separately from the Mercury Quartet.
If you are interested in any of these projects, you can directly contact the Mercury Quartet by email: mercuryquartet@gmail.com or by phone: +44 797 039 3727.