We are very excited to welcome pianist and composer Simeon Walker to perform as part of our ever-popular series of Lunchtime Concerts this week.
Based in Leeds, Simeon has been busy touring the UK and Europe with his wide-ranging repertoire. Now, as he prepares to arrive at Chelmsford Cathedral, he shares the story behind his music.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your two albums, Mono and Winnow?
“I have a wide and varied taste in music, I learnt classically and have a Masters degree in composition, but I retain an interest in jazz and folk music and I also work as a session musician across numerous styles and genres. With my own work, I have been exploring the idea of 'spacious music' - this is music which doesn't overplay or fill the space with notes simply because they are there and available. Every note is considered and only used when necessary. I am trying to create an environment in which the listener feels compelled to listen, and to lean-in to the performance experience.”
You have supported many musicians, as well as playing festivals, how important is the venue when you perform?
“Having played at a range of venues and contexts in my career, one of my most passionate interests centres around challenging perceptions about where and how certain forms of music can be heard. Whilst I passionately support efforts towards making classical music more accessible, I also believe it is vitally important that musicians, composers and creative people in general are encouraged and feel able to continue creating art which speaks to where we are now, our current experiences and making sense of the world in which we live.”
What do you find special about playing in cathedrals like Chelmsford?
“Somewhat paradoxically, I think cathedrals are great places to do this in, for they have truly stood the test of time and seen countless generations come and go over the centuries, providing a sense of permanence and dependability throughout turbulent and challenging times. My music is spacious - it celebrates the time-honoured maxim oft-attributed to Debussy, that the best thing about music is the space between the notes - with an ingrained element of contemplativeness. So, there are not many places better to perform in than large, open spaces with beautiful acoustics, and in many ways, cathedrals are the perfect environment for my music.”
How did you put together your repertoire for your concert on Friday?
“The pieces I will be playing on Friday are a small selection of my work which has resonated most with audiences over the last two or three years of intense performing across the UK and Europe since the pandemic. They represent a varied insight into my music for those unaware of my work, whilst encompassing a range of music from across the ten years I have been releasing music as a recording artist.”
Simeon's Lunchtime Concert is on June 13th at 12pm, tea and coffee will be served at 11.30am.
To find out more, check his website here: simeonwalker.co.uk