Sweet symphony
New composition was inspired by fizzy piece of confectionery
SWEET-TOOTHED music lovers will be fizzing with joy at the world premiere of a new composition inspired by popping candy. The tasty piece, written by composer Guto Pryderi Puw, will be one of eight new works being premiered at Bangor Music Festival next month.
Popping candy is a confectionery item that reacts by bubbling on contact with the moisture found on the tongue or lips.
First created in 1956 by an American chemist, it was the result of a failed attempt to produce a ‘tablet’ to make an instant carbonated drink.
Guto, who is also the festival’s artistic director, said coating it with chocolate takes this sensation to the “next level” and is a key feature of his new work called, what else, ‘Popping Candy’.
According to Guto, the piece commissioned by the UPROAR Ensemble, will introduce the audience to a “world of fizz and fun”.
He said: “Popping candy coated in chocolate is really nice. The piece has been inspired by popping candy and
I hope there will be an opportunity to taste some of the sweet during the performance in order to enjoy the full experience. At least that’s the aim.”
The festival, is being staged this year at the Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre on February 11-12.
Guto said: “The theme of this year’s festival is ‘the senses’. Of course, music is a listening experience but that is only one of the five senses, so we also have touching, tasting, seeing and smelling to explore.
“It will be interesting to reveal how the various featured composers have reacted to the other senses through their music, so come over and experience them.
“One of the featured ensembles will be UPROAR Ensemble, which was launched in 2018 by Michael Rafferty and their aim is to bring the best international classical music written today to audiences across the country.”
“The ensemble’s performances are very much for visually minded audiences, often performing in inspiring and unusual locations. Its multimedia collaborations with dance, theatre, film, visual arts, video and live electronics will push the boundaries of these forms, providing unforgettable experiences.”
The concert on Saturday, February 12 will also feature new works by the Dutch-born composer Carlijn Metselaar and Welsh composer Joseph Davies, with both works being commissioned by UPROAR.
More information about the festival online at www.bangormusicfestival.org.uk and tickets can be purchased from the Pontio Box Office on 01248 382828.