The Holst Birthplace Museum is hoping to inspire young composers to consider creating music masterpieces for film, stage and TV by arranging an illustrated talk by one of Europe's leading film composers.
Richard Blackford, whose feature film credits include City of Joy, Prometheus and Song for a Raggy Boy, is set to share his approach to composing in the pressurised context of film making at an illustrated talk on Thursday May 9 at the Phoenix Centre in Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham.
Richard's talk, "Smoke and Mirrors – Composing Music for Films" will be illustrated with clips from compositions and the films and is likely to encourage aspiring composers to consider a career in the film industry.
As well as having a distinguished record as a composer of music for the concert hall, including some notable premieres in Cheltenham, Richard has written music for over one hundred 90-minute dramas for ZDF Germany and many UK TV dramas. He has also written extensively for the theatre.
Tickets for the event cost £10 for adults (including and glass of wine). Students under 25 pay just £5. Tickets are available from the Holst Birthplace Museum and Cheltenham Tourist Information Centre.
"A mission of the Holst Birthplace Museum is to inspire future generations of musicians and to encourage them to see the commercial potential of their musical talents. Even Gustav Holst tried his hand at film music," said Graham Lockwood, Chair of Trustees at the Holst Birthplace Museum.
"We are thrilled to have secured the support of Richard Blackford and are grateful that he can spare the time to visit Cheltenham and share his experience with others," said Mr Lockwood.
The Holst Birthplace Museum is housed in the Regency terrace house on Clarence Road in Cheltenham where Gustav Holst, composer of the Planets, was born.
The museum tells the story of the man and his music alongside a fascinating display of his personal belongings, including his piano.
The museum is open (February to June, October to mid December) 10am to 4pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays and (July, August and September) 10am to 5pm, on Tuesdays to Saturdays and 1.30pm to 5pm on Sundays.
For more information on the museum visit www.holstmuseum.org.uk. For further information on Gloucestershire Music visit www.gloucestershiremusic.co.uk