Horsecross Arts has appointed composer Matthew Duncan Kassa-Mapsi Rooke as its first music fellow.
The fifteen month Creative Scotland funded Fellowship will see Matthew work closely with Horsecross Arts creative director for classical music, James Waters, the Perth Concert Hall team and the local community across a range of areas of musical interest. The culmination of his Fellowship will be the creation of a large scale music-led multi-media piece in the autumn of 2011, exploring historic links between Scotland and Africa.
Born in England to Scottish and Gabonese parents Matthew has worked as composer and musical director with leading theatres across in the UK, including the Royal National Theatre. As a performer, he has performed and recorded with artists as diverse as Sir John Tavener, Nitin Sawhney and the James Taylor Quartet. He frequently works as a cultural consultant assisting fellow artists, organisations and bodies across Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the appointment, Jane Spiers, chief executive of Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation behind Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre said:
"We are delighted to have Matthew joining us as our first music fellow and grateful to Creative Scotland for funding the post. This Fellowship is an opportunity for us to reach out to new audiences and communities whilst further exploring the potential of the hall as a modern performance space."
Matthew Rooke who takes up his new role in July said:
"I am both honoured and excited by this opportunity. Perth Concert Hall is Scotland's newest Concert Hall and has not just fabulous facilities but also a really supportive, imaginative and creative team of professionals,
"I am looking forward to working with Horsecross Arts and the people of Perth & Kinross to celebrate aspects of Scotland's many cultures."
Ian Smith, Head of Music, Creative Scotland said:
"Following the launch of Creative Scotland it is entirely appropriate that one of Scotland's most creative resources; Horsecross Arts leads the way in the appointment of a resident music fellow. I am delighted with Mathew's appointment and know he will have a significant influence at Horsecross that will so enhance their music offer."