Who or what inspired you to take up composing, and pursue a career in music?
A schools’ project with London Sinfonietta and Nigel Osborne, when they visited my school in the late 80s.
Who or what were the most significant influences on your musical life and career as a composer?
A myriad of great artists, including mentors, angels, teachers, peers and colleagues… A list would change daily but might include the following: Xenakis, Stockhausen, Prince, Jonathan Harvey, Anselm Keifer, Andrei Tarkovsky, Kaija Saariaho, David Lynch, Wim Wenders, Joni Mitchell, Michael Finnissey, Kevin Volans, Harrison Birtwistle, John Woolrich, Simon Bainbridge, Robert Saxton, Simon Holt, Jackie & Stephen Newbould, Nick Drake, Deborah Warner, Irvine Arditti, Ruth Fainlight, Alan Sillitoe, Mark Knopfler, Pink Floyd, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Oliver Knussen, ENO, Frank Denyer, Rolf Wallin. Mark Padmore, Elaine Mitchener, Lucy Bailey, Trond Reinholdtsen, Cassandra Miller, Richard Causton, Andrew Toovey, Martin Suckling, David Sawer, Lisa Illean, David Horne, Oscar Bettison.
What have been the greatest challenges/frustrations of your career so far?
Understanding the power and value of great art, being a part of the incredible artistic community on this planet, while knowing that we live in a time of human history that doesn’t yet value it.
What are the special challenges/pleasures of working on a commissioned piece?
Collaboration; working together towards a shared vision with specific performers and performances in mind, while knowing that I have complete control and free rein to let my imagination run wild.
What are the special challenges/pleasures of working with particular musicians, singers, ensembles and orchestras?
I love being in the presence of singers; their purity, power and vulnerability is a potent mix. But I love working with all kinds of musicians; I’m always moved by their love for what they do; their artistry, commitment and dedication.
Of which works are you most proud?
Both of my operas: ‘Between Worlds’ and ‘Cave’.
How would you characterise your compositional language?
Multi-dimensional
How do you work?
Very intensely.
Who are your favourite musicians/composers?
All the great psychedelic thinkers and performers. I enjoy a combination of wild and serious… Shamanic, I suppose – those that seem to invoke the powers of nature.
As a musician, what is your definition of success?
Creating something that I’m profoundly happy with, that I feel has meaning for the wider world.
What do you consider to be the most important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians?
Think big, bold, expansive thoughts. Find the limits of everything and go further. Always connect to the heart. Always listen to the inner voice.
Where would you like to be in 10 years’ time?
In heaven, on Earth.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Making music/art with people I adore.
What is your most treasured possession?
My cat Freyja.
What do you enjoy doing most?
Composing. Hiking with my husband in deep rural France.
What is your present state of mind?
Peacefully excited.
Composer Tansy Davies will give a pre-concert talk on 20th April Davies to introduce her new song cycle, specially commissioned for the 20th Anniversary of the Leeds Lieder Festival, and performed by Ema Nikolovska, mezzo-soprano, and Joseph Middleton piano
More information / tickets here
Artist image © Chelsey Browne
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