Stenclmusic
Successfully premiered at the Oh! Arts Centre, London in 2004 followed by performances at the Swaledale Festival (UK) and the Nyland Festival (Sweden)
Written for solo clarinettist/actress Neyire Ashworth, Stenclmusic combines stories, songs and images with an “original, witty and dramatic score” for clarinets and voice from the acclaimed composer Rachel Stott. It “brilliantly dramatizes the ups and downs, the romance and hardships of Jewish Whitechapel life.” As the versatile clarinettist/actress, Neyire Ashworth, takes you on this journey, you will share in the delights and tragedies of life - the clarinet leading you through the virtual streets and transforming into memorable characters.
A new solo instrumental music theatre piece
tells the stories of
a baker, a tailor, a child and a mother living in London’s East End
Stenclmusic is a dramatic evocation of London’s East End inspired by the poems of the charismatic Yiddish poet Avrom Stencl 1887-1983 and memories from the community. The live performance is supported by multi-layered recorded clarinets, and a sound design that plunges you into the streets of Whitechapel alongside interviews with its inhabitants. Projected images of the streets and people, past and present create a colourful and mesmeric backdrop.
Stenclmusic involves 1 performer, 1 sound operator and 1 lighting/projection operator. The ideal setting is a raked auditorium or traditional proscenium arch stage for an intimate group of about 200 audience members. It needs a large screen on which to project images and a PA system plus a digital projector and lighting. The set is minimal with a half day get-in and 1 hour get out. The show lasts 1 hour and can be supported by appropriate theatrical concert pieces to make a full evening event.
‘..restrained direction, sensitive handling of an emotional subject and judicious balancing of poetry, music and narrative’
director Philip Parr
composer Rachel Stott
poet Stephen Watts
performed by clarinettist/actress Neyire Ashworth
Listen to some music examples from our live video recording of Stenclmusic
left is an extract from the little girl's story and right the final klezmer tune - enjoy!
‘..the remarkable solo clarinet of Neyire Ashworth gave voice to strong, telling portrayals as tailor, baker, child and mother ‘
’a masterpiece of suggestion and restraint and a witty, dramatic score capture the rhythms and cadences of Whitechapel Life.’
For further information and bookings please contact Neyire Ashworth
info@stenclmusic.com
+44 (0)7960 478 284
’sensitively played by virtuoso clarinettist and actress, Neyire Ashworth‘
To read about the team who've created Stenclmusic
click here