David Blake's Scoring The Century gets world premiere in Birmingham
Mar 5 2010 By Christopher Morley
‘‘Lots of dialogue was altered and I was sent new texts that required new music.
“I wrote two new numbers in 2008 and made some changes to the orchestration to take into account the size of the pit at the Crescent – nothing major. I dispensed with a second flute and trumpet, a tuba and a xylophone. It isn’t always easy to pick up old pieces – Schoenberg didn’t manage it! – but I’m pleased with what I’ve done, especially the Beguine, which looks hilarious the way Keith and Michael Barry have staged it.”
Having rescored the orchestration, has David had to make any other alterations, in view of the fact that this is a student performance?
His reply is firm and appreciative.
“Nothing has had to be changed to accommodate student performers. The talent of the cast, both their singing and their acting and dancing is an absolute joy.
‘‘Rehearsals are huge fun. Everyone is in high good spirits and yet they work hard and get results.
‘‘We’ve managed to give everyone a solo moment, however small, and all 50 are working together with great cohesion and co-operation, helping each other all the time. The choruses are thrilling.
“We had thought that casting the two main roles, which are huge, would be difficult but Matt Cooper and Lucie Louvrier have proved to be stars.”
Lucie Louvrier is a French post-graduate student who studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, and Matthew Cooper is studying at the Conservatoire for a post-graduate certificate.
Michael Barry, director of theatre studies at the Conservatoire, and himself a major presence at the Crescent Theatre, is enthusiastic about Keith Warner’s work with the students.
“Keith has worked in all the world’s major opera houses. International singers, designers and conductors queue up to work with him, and so the fact that he’s spending two months out of his hectic schedule to work with students at the Conservatoire is a staggering opportunity.
“He’s paying Conservatoire singers the compliment of treating them as just another opera company, so they’re learning at the highest level what is expected in the profession they aspire to.
“The students are also picking up technical advice and audition techniques to take forward in their careers – opportunities don’t get much better, or bigger, than this!”
David has the last word.
“We’re all having a great time. Much of it is very funny and the tunes are not half bad.”
* David Blake’s Scoring the Century is stage by Birmingham Conservatoire at the Crescent Theatre from Thursday until Saturday (7.30pm). There is also a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday. Details on 0121 643 5858
