I feel that the tin whistle is a very versatile instrument that has a lot to offer in many more contexts than it is generally used. I think that organising calls for scores is a great way to explore new approaches to composing for and playing the tin whistle and to get ideas from many different creators. I put the first call to students, teachers and alumni of Conservatorium van Amsterdam where the project began. Their challenge was to compose for a solo performer playing tin whistle(s) (with optional fixed media accompaniment.) This request was for short pieces, approximately one minute in length. The pieces were performed at the March New Music Arena, the monthly showcase of the composition department at the conservatory. Virtuoso whistle/recorder player and clog dancer Sarah Jeffery who features in the demonstration videos performed five pieces by four composers and I performed one that I wrote myself. In the lead up to the concert we organised a workshop where Sarah helped the composers to explore their ideas on various whistles.
The Concert: New Music Arena, Conservatorium Van Amsterdam, Bernard Haitinkzaal, 10 March 2016, 12.30 pm.
Participating Composers: Boris Bezemer (Netherlands), Marcelo Chacur Politano (Brazil), Richard Ayres (Great Britain), Darragh Kearns-Hayes (Ireland), Manuel Sánchez García (Spain).
Below are the recordings from the premiere performance.
After this initial call for scores I will re-evaluate and plan for further calls, casting the net wider to more composers and increasing the scale of works possible; Multiple whistle players, combinations with other instruments and interdisciplinary projects all being possible additions.