UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 07 DECEMBER 2023
PhD student Yfat Soul Zisso has been selected for the Philharmonia's Composers’ Academy, where she will compose a piece for the Philharmonia to be performed at Royal Festival Hall.
Composers’ Academy is an established programme for exceptional musicians from diverse backgrounds who are looking for the opportunity to develop their skills as composers.
As part of the application process Soul had to submit three pieces of work to be scored by judges.
As a successful applicant, she will attend a series of masterclasses and workshops in London covering advanced composition technique, industry insights, and advice from professional musicians and contemporary composers.
She will also have access to one-to-one support throughout the programme from a Composers’ Academy mentor. There will also be dedicated time to rehearse her composition with an ensemble of Philharmonia musicians, a conductor and mentor, as well as to receive feedback.
Then, a performance of her composition will take place at Royal Festival Hall in London.
Since starting her music studies at the age of 15, Soul has been dedicated to becoming a composer. Her music has been performed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and Birmingham Contemporary Music Group around the world in venues including Symphony Hall, Hoddinott Hall and St John’s Smith Square.
Her interests include the use of quarter-tones, as well as breathing as music. In addition to composing, Soul is also a singer, specialising in performing contemporary repertoire.
Professor of Composition Joe Cutler said: “Huge congratulations to Soul on being selected to compose for the Philharmonia through their Composers' Academy scheme. It's a fantastic achievement. I am very much look forwarding to hearing the new piece that Soul will write for this world-leading orchestra.”