Dance on the Beat

Dance on the Beat (1994)

An exploration of rhythmic, energetic music embracing social and ethnic dances, night-club sounds and rhythms of the world.

World premiere of Mlembe Special by Barnaby Oliver, a re-working of a popular 1950s town dance from Swaziland. First UK performance of Tango of the Innocents by American composer Robert Moran best known for his operatic works and large-scale ‘happening’ events in San Francisco, Berlin and Zagreb.

The lively rock-and-roll of Dance by downtown New Yorker David Lang is partnered with the romantic swirl of Michael Nyman‘s Waltz in F, Colin McPhee‘s transcription of Balinese music takes the floor with Steve Martland‘s re-mixing of 17th century French music, whilst Charlie Barber roots out his African, Latin and Motown tracks.

Music direction: Charlie Barber

Musicians: Mark Morren (clarinet, saxophones), Paul Hornsby (clarinet, saxophones), Gethin Liddington (trumpet), Gwyn Daniels (trombone), David Appleton (piano), Andy Cookson (percussion), Jonathan Helm (percussion), Alison Francis (violin), Tim Davies (violin), Michael Rafferty (viola), Sharon McKinley (cello), Paula Gardiner (double bass, bass guitar)

Set design: Angela Evans

Lighting design: Joe Wright

Sound technician: Alistair Viles

Company manager: Alex Lemmon

Photography: Nicola Schauerman

Images

Performances

15.02.94

CARDIFF

Welsh College of Music & Drama

Programme

Review

Credits

Produced by Sound Affairs with financial support of: Holst Foundation, Musicians’ Union, Performing Right Society, South-east Wales Arts Association and Cardiff City Council