TERRA CODA
A brand-new radical orchestra piece led by acclaimed Bristol-based Composer Benji Bower and performed by the TERRA COLLECTIVE.
TUES 24TH MAY - THURS 26TH MAY 8PM
MAYFEST - BRISTOL
A symphonic love letter to this home we call Earth.
Led by acclaimed Bristol-based composer Benji Bower, we invite you to join us for an evening in the stunning Mount Without for the launch of a multi-dimensional new orchestral and electronic work that will take you on a soaring sonic journey exploring our planet and reflecting on our relationship to it.
Conceived by Benji in 2020 when the world paused and many of us saw our environments in a different light, Terra Coda is a five movement Symphonic work inspired by the natural world and framed by the Taoist five elements. It explores hope and connection through the lens of the climate crisis and grief.
These performances mark the first outings for a radical new orchestra collective – The Terra Collective - a newly curated Bristol-based collaborative large-scale ensemble rooted in inclusion and innovation. Here’s one for our hearts.
The Terra Collective want to create unusual experiences for audiences that connect directly to the heart, and that welcome everyone. We know that this is a long game. That we aren’t going to change deep rooted practices quickly. Terra Coda is our catalyst moment. A chance to introduce the flavour and atmosphere of what we’re making, and to inspire those who share our values to come along with
The Future of Terra Collective
Terra Coda marks the beginning of a new collective of musicians and artists who are united by a drive to create extraordinary world-class experiences through processes that centre kindness, innovation and mischief. We are interested in a new musical form that takes the best of the classical genre but welcomes an alchemic fusion with other forms. As we develop, our collaborations will include those with visual artists, storytellers, choreographers and film makers. What will remain important is that the work is inspired by the collective and not written anonymously on them.
When touring the work we will also be thinking about radical new models that might start with a ‘core’ from the collective and seek to recruit new musicians ‘locally’. We will continue to shape shift. There’s lots to discover.
About Benji Bower – Composer and Artistic Director
Benji is a composer, producer and musician. In theatre, Benji predominantly work with the Director Sally Cookson at the UK’s most reputable venues including National Theatre, Old Vic London, Sadler's Wells and Bristol Old Vic as well as many other regional producing houses. In 2019, Benji was nominated for an Olivier Award for best music for his composition for ‘A Monster Calls’, which went on to win ‘best family show’ at the Olivier awards. He is currently co-writing and producing the artist Kathleen Francis on her upcoming EP 'Into the blue" & her forthcoming album.
Benji also composed the score for the director and choreographer Wilke Branson on the multi award winning Film ‘Tom’ produced by Sadlers wells. Benji has also written and produced four albums under the name Unforscene, played a Maida Vale session for Gilles Petersons on BBC Radio 1, performed at Glastonbury, The big chill festival, union chapel, the round house, jazz a le villiet paris, new Zealand arts festival, Melbourne comedy festival supported bands such as Cinematic Orchestra and the Quantic Soul Orchestra.
Photo credit: Paul Blakemore
Image credit: Phyllida Bluemel
