Institut Ramon LLull

Composer Toni Castells presents Hhumann X in London

Music.  London, 20/10/2018

Catalan composer Toni Castells will premiere his new musical composition 'Hhumann X' on 20 October 2018 at the LSO St Luke's (Barbican). Hhumann X is an exploration of social isolation in an era of technological hyper-connectedness.




Toni Castells, a neo-classical composer, has used the research commissioned by the late MP Jo Cox about the effects of loneliness as the basis for his work Hhumann X.

The composition it inspired, described as a series of “dreamy, cinematic and poetic soundscapes”, is an exploration of how millions of people remain isolated despite living in a world of social media and “technological hyper-connectedness”.

 

About the Piece | HHUMANN X

The findings of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness published at the end of 2017 found that in the UK alone more than 9 million people often or always feel lonely. That inspired composer Toni Castells to write ‘Hhumann X’, an exploration of the paradox of growing social isolation at a time of technological hyper-connectedness.

For the performance Castells is collaborating with More Than Just A Choir , a community choir based in North London that works with people suffering from mental illness and social isolation. The choir helps its membres build their confidence, whilst also connecting with the wider community. This collaboration is key to strengthen the meaning of the piece, bringing into the core of the performance these individuals who are overcoming social isolation through music and community.

The choir appears towards the end of the piece and they’ll be unknowingly sitting amongst the audience before their entry. This staging metaphor is designed to strengthen the idea that isolation and mental illness are invisible to most of us.

About the Ensemble

The choir will be accompanied by a group of top classical musicians which configure a small ensemble of piano, violin, two cellos, live electronics, a soprano and a Persian singer. It includes Gramophone Magazine Editor's Choice classical stars José Menor (piano) and Harriet MacKenzie (violin). It also features Persian soprano Honey Rouhani, daughter of the famous Iranian composer Mehran Rouhani.

 

Book your tickets here.

Saturday, 20 October 2018

8pm

Duration to be confirmed

Tickets: 20 GBP

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