A year-long collaborative project based on the story of aviatrix Amelia Earhart's famous transatlantic voyage is taking flight this week for Welsh composer Tom Davoren.
The first in a string of international premieres of 'Stillness', a new large scale work drawing on the story of Earhart's surprise landing in the West Wales town of Burry Port during her 1928 expedition, will be given by the University of Saskatchewan Wind Orchestra, in Saskatoon, Canada, on Friday 21st November.
Take off
Taking off from Newfoundland, Earhart and her crew (comprising fellow pilot Wilmer Stultz and engineer Louis Gordon) intended to finish their journey at Southampton.
However, Burry Port Harbour would prove to become a safe haven for the daring American from Kansas (above), when late in the expedition poor visibility and terrible weather resulted in her missing an emergency stopping point of Valentia in Ireland along the way.
Stillness
'Stillness', is the title taken from a quote in the 'Llanelli Star' newspaper printed on Earhart's surprise arrival, with the work drawing together ensembles from locations and organisations with key connections to the story for performances throughout 2015 and 2016 in North America and the UK.
The world premiere will be given the University of Saskatchewan Wind Orchestra; where Tom will attend rehearsals this week, as well as delivering a talk in the department of music and visiting the burgeoning local banding scene in the city headed by former Grimethorpe percussionist Will Martin.
Thrilled
Dr. Darrin Oehlerking from the University of Saskatchewan told 4BR: "We are thrilled to be involved with this musical project.
The ensemble is committed to performing new and innovative compositions and to be a part of such a unique international collaboration is a true honour."
Home town
A further performance will also be given in Earhart's home city of Kansas by the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble, followed by performances in the UK at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.
It then returns to New York for a performance by the Montclair State University Wind Symphony, before making another trans-Atlantic crossing in September 2016 in a brass band version performed by Burry Port Town, who will be directed by Dr. Darrin Oehlerking from the University of Saskatchewan at the very location where Earhart made her landing.
This project has been a wonderful opportunity to connect the local history of Burry Port to the rest of the world through a truly inspiring story of courage and endeavourComposer, Tom Davoren
Wonderful opportunity
Tom Davoren told 4BR: "This project has been a wonderful opportunity to connect the local history of Burry Port to the rest of the world through a truly inspiring story of courage and endeavour.
I'm also very grateful that we are able to retell the Earhart story through the generous support of Dr. Darrin Oehlerking (University of Saskatchewan), who will visit us in Wales in 2016, Dr. Paul Popiel (University of Kansas), Dr, Thomas McCauley (Montclair State University), Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs (Central Band of the Royal Air Force) and Graham Howe, and all at Burry Port Band."
