Contemporary Vocals at Uplands
TOM BRUGES
While pirates descended upon Hastings, at Uplands in St Leonards a very different event, Contemporary Vocal Sünds, was taking place. After a reception with tea and cake, contemporary vocalist and interdisciplinary performer duo Eleanor Westbrook and Oscar McCarthy were joined by pianist Ben Smith for a varied programme of experimental music, ranging from an electronic re-imagining of Rameau’s Les Indes galantes by Nico Bentley to John Cage’s infamous graphic score Aria (1958).
Every moment was skilfully choreographed. Set in the intimate venue of a manor house music room, the theatrical elements of the performance became far more visceral. A highlight of the programme was Westbrook’s performance of Aperghis’ Recitations no.11 (1977). The performer made the risky decision to provide the ornate score to the audience, so that those following along would have noted not just the precision of the performance, but also what was omitted. The latter was an invention of Westbrook’s: a dramatic caricaturesque choreography of an iteratively unfolding stream of consciousness. Another highlight of the programme was McCarthy’s performance of Xenakis’ Pour Maurice (1982). McCarthy successfully gave this physically demanding piece a far more theatrical tone than it is often afforded, and Smith’s piano playing went beyond mere accompaniment in his virtuosic precision.
Elsewhere in the world, the famous festival of experimental music, Darmstädter Ferienkurse is in full swing, begging the question: why do we not have more contemporary music in Hastings? Certainly, with projects like Sonics Hastings carving through, and now, with this launching of the Contemporary Vocal Sünds it seems that a new interest in experimental music might be growing. Future concert organisers will have to navigate the famously conservative British palate. Westbrook and McCarthy did so today by bringing out the wit and humour of the music, to ease the tension British listeners face when confronted by music of such intensity.This première of the trio’s project was a resounding success, and leaves us wanting more.
Ellie Westbrook and Oscar McCarthy, Contemporary Vocal Sünds, performed at 6 Uplands, St Leonards on 20 July. instagram.com/contemporaryvocalsunds alternativeclassical.co.uk/concerts-calendar/contemporary-vocal-sunds-sussex
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