Neil Campbell and Sense of Sound Choir to collaborate on FRANKENSTEIN composition

Liverpool’s own spectacular Sense of Sound Choir has been confirmed to perform as part of the new electrifying classical rock production FRANKENSTEIN composed by Neil Campbell. FRANKENSTEIN will have its world-premiered performance as part of a thrilling Halloween Double-Bill at the beautiful neo-classical Concert Room at Liverpool’s St. Georges Hall on Friday 30th October 2009.

The new multimedia work written by Liverpool composer Neil Campbell is based on the famous Mary Shelley novel. The composition has been scored to be performed by an expanded version of the Neil Campbell Collective (Neil’s band), One of the aims of The Neil Campbell Collective is to explore ever new instrumental textures and increase the symphonic scope of its music.

Having worked with several guests both live and in the recording studio - adding soprano, cello, electronics and other instruments along the way - it seems natural that for a piece of this scale (FRANKENSTEIN) a choir should now be added to the mix. Who better than Liverpool’s own Sense of Sound Choir to join the list of musicians?

Neil Campbell said “As a composer, using a choir allows one to amplify emotions within the piece, making sections perhaps more ethereal, sentimental or dramatic for instance. This music, drawing largely from progressive rock and minimal music, makes certain technical demands on the choir. Given their world class reputation I am certain that Sense of Sound will rise very well to these challenges”.

Neil Campbell and Jennifer John (Artistic Director and Choir Manager of Sense of Sound) have been eager to work on an artistic collaboration for many years. Now, with this project, the opportunity has arisen to present a musical collaboration on a large scale, which is planned to hopefully open doors for further performances nationally and internationally and also a recorded version of the piece planned for release in 2010.

Neil Campbell’s FRANKENSTEIN is being produced by the team that brought Liverpool ‘Ghost Stories – A Night Opera’, a spectacular performance which took place at St. Luke’s (Bombed Out) Church on Thursday 16th July. In the spirit of a Halloween Monster Double Bill ‘Ghost Stories’ will also be performed in the first half of the concert before concluding after an interval with the world premiere of the exciting new 50 minute classical rock tour de force Neil Campbell’s FRANKENSTEIN, which takes the audience on a musical journey through the Frankenstein story.

As with the St. Luke’s Church performance earlier this year the choice of venue is crucial. Built in the 1840s, St. George’s Hall is widely regarded as one of the finest neo-classical buildings in the world and is a Grade I listed building. The opulent Victorian Concert Room surroundings will make for an unrepeatable experience and an unforgettable Halloween event.

Image of the NCC by Matt Ford, used with thanks

Razing Lives - Thursday 24th September

Neil has contributed a musical soundscape to 'Razing Lives', a visual installation by photographer/artist Alicia Rose. This will be presented at Liverpool Hope's Cornerstone Campus (The Cornerstone, Liverpool Hope University, 1 Haigh Street, Liverpool L3 8QB) as part of Liverpool's City wide "Long Night" programme of exhibitions and private views in all of the City's public and private art galleries on Thursday 24th September.

'Razing Lives' is a new work being piloted on 24th in the form of an installation, prior to a photographic exhibition planned for later in the year. A deeply autobiographical piece of work, through hundreds of photographic images taken over the course of around 4 years it records the gradual demolition of people's homes in a neighbourhood in Wavertree, Liverpool.

The installation will take place from 5.30-10pm on the evening of the 24th. Also at the Cornerstone that evening, running concurrently there will be a Private View for a new exhibition of work in the Cornerstone Gallery. Admission will be free and refreshments provided.