Composer Joanna Borrett works within the classical genre, but her music is quite unique. Instead of the typical classical sound you might normally expect from the style, she also adds an innovative and improvised sound, as displayed on her new album, Clan. If you like your classical music a little different from the norm, then Joanna’s music is perfect for you!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new album titled Clan. What can you tell us about the record?
I recorded the cello and piano version of Clan about 18 months ago and put it on Soundcloud. But while I was composing the cello version, I felt sure that Clan was really a sting orchestra piece – as soon as I had finished the cello version, I made a string orchestra arrangement. This has now been recorded by Her Ensemble – a wonderful new string group – and the recording is being released by State 51 in February to coincide with the first performance in Birmingham. There will also be 100 special edition vinyl copies of the recording.
How has the reception to Clan been so far, and where can the record be purchased?
Once the string orchestra recording has been released digitally in February you will be able to purchase vinyl copies from my website – joannaborrett.com – and from Her Ensemble’s website – www.herensemble.org
Do you plan to release any singles in the near future?
No.
Have you started writing for your next full-length release, or is it too soon?
My main aim is to compose for a string orchestra. Clan is my first string orchestral piece and I have already composed a prequel called Five Lost Highland Tales, plus another ten minute romantic work for a string orchestra called Interlude. These have not been recorded yet, but I hope they will be in 2024.
Your work has been selected for the 2024 ABRSM cello exam syllabus. How did that come about? Is it something you’d like to do more of in the future?
I’m not sure how that came about! It’s extremely competitive. United Music Publishers asked me if I would compose four new teacher/pupil duets for cello, which I did. They sent them to the ABRSM selection board, and last summer I heard two of the duets had been chosen for the new ABRSM string syllabus. I was over the moon – especially as I only started composing recently. And yes, this is something I would love to do more of in the future.
Clan has a unique classical sound. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?
I have spent my life working as a classical musician, so many of my influences are classical. In particular I love Benjamin Britten’s string orchestral music. Clan is a narrative work and I had the stories from three films in my mind when I wrote it: Dances with Wolves, Hidalgo and Braveheart. But of course, the music is full of my own experiences and feelings too. I wrote the music very quickly – over a two week period, in-between teaching – and it almost felt like it was writing itself, which was very exciting.
Where are you based? What is the local music scene like in your area?
I live in a village outside Peterborough, quite close to London. The local music scene is not the best here, but I visit London often, especially The National Gallery and Covent Garden. I read a lot – especially the classics – and I am very inspired by paintings, folk music and the countryside, as well as music.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up in the next few months?
The first performance of Clan is happening on February 24th at The Elgar Concert Hall, Bramstone Music Building, Birmingham University. This is absolutely thrilling for me. Clan is also being played in Leeds in April. And there are lots of other exciting opportunities happening in the new year.
As well as this I offer free weekly videos teaching improvising on my Facebook page: Joanna Borrett Composer | Facebook. Teaching myself to improvise – something more or less taboo in classical training – resulted in me having the confidence to compose, so it’s something I see as very positive and freeing – and I would love to feel that I could pass this on to others.
Any last words for the fans?
Don’t let anyone put you in a box: believe in yourself and follow your heart!