This Valentine’s Day, Stratford-upon-Avon based Orchestra of the Swan (OOTS) invites you to delve into the world of the ‘considerable talent’* of renowned composer Joanna Lee’s ‘Blue Blaze – Dance Suite’. This feast for the ears is the third of four pieces commissioned to celebrate OOTS 21st Anniversary season. ‘Blue Blaze - Dance Suite’ is a work for solo oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn accompanied by string orchestra and consists of four movements inspired by four different dance styles - ballet, hip-hop, dirge and rumpus.
David Curtis, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Orchestra of the Swan (OOTS), said; “Joanna Lee is one of the great, young composers in the UK today. OOTS believe in championing emerging talent and I have always been struck by her inventiveness and highly individual voice. I would describe her work as witty and light-hearted as it lovingly takes advantage of the characteristics of the solo instruments.”
Joanna's compositions have been shortlisted for a British Composer Award and Arts Foundation Opera Composition Award as well as being featured in Classical Music magazine.
During this prestigious season, four established composers have written “companion pieces” to well-known classical works. The Autumn commissions, Douglas J Cuomo’s ‘Objects in Mirror’ and Paul Moravec’s ‘Nocturne’, were both well received by audiences, drawing high praise all round.
‘Blue Blaze - Dance Suite’ will be performed at Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon Avon, on 14th February and at Town Hall Birmingham on 22nd February.
