'Between Earth and Sky' Premiere
21st November 2006
Between Earth and Sky, a new work for large orchestra by Param Vir, will be given its world premiere on November 24 by the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Alexander Rumpf at Hammersmith Town Hall, London. The piece draws its inspiration from Anish Kapoor’s sculpture Cloud Gate, which was first unveiled in Millennium Park, Chicago, in 2004. “What particularly struck me,” says Param Vir of the sculpture, “was a sense of timelessness that emanated from the work, and I wondered how such a sensibility could be explored musically….”
Lasting around 28 minutes, Between Earth and Sky is in five continuous movements arranged around a central section, entitled Ascension, in which constant string glissandi give the impression of continuous upward movement.
Inspired by liquid mercury, Cloud Gate stands some 66 feet long and 33 feet high. The 110-ton elliptical structure is formed from a seamless series of highly polished stainless steel plates which reflect the city’s skyline. A central arch provides a gate into a concave chamber of mirrors, the ‘omphalos’, allowing the visitor to pass through the sculpture.
The concert will open with a new piece performed by young brass players from Hammersmith & Fulham, students from Trinity College of Music, members of Fulham Symphony Orchestra and BBCSO brass players, which has been created by them as part of a BBCSO Education Project based on Param Vir's new work.
Cradled Between Earth and Sky will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3's Afternoon Performance programme on December 6.
