Programme Note:

Based on two opposing subject matters, the Light Messenger is a poetic description of the meaning to communicate through the sky. The first of which is based on the Sanskrit poem ‘The Cloud Messenger’ by Kalidasa. The poem tells the story of a poet who has long been separated from his wife and who prevails upon a passing cloud to carry a message of love to her. The other concerns Hawking radiation, where hypothetical particles are formed by a black holes boundary. This radiation implies black holes have temperatures that are inversely proportional to their mass; the smaller the black hole, the hotter it will glow. This glowing light felt like our final message in the universe - similar to the cloud in ‘The Cloud Messenger’. The concerto goes on a journey in which the poetic lyrical message of the cloud distorts and breaks down into subsequent light particles.

This version of the piece is a microcosm of a larger piece in which both Fenella and I hope to collaborate on in the future. 

Performing here is Fenella Humphrey’s with the Royal Academy Symphony Orchestra and Aaron Holloway-Nahum in a workshop of the piece.

The Light Messenger - Performed Live by Fenella Humphreys, Aaron Holloway-Nahum & RAM SO

Jasper Dommett (b. 1997) is an accomplished British composer who is currently pursuing a PhD at the Royal College of Music, where they also hold the post of Mendelssohn Scholar. In 2023, Jasper graduated with double distinction from the Royal Academy of Music, where they also received a DipRAM for their outstanding work. Throughout their studies, they were supported by the Ralph Vaughn Williams Trust and the Countess of Munster Trust. Prior to this, Jasper graduated with first-class honours from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Jasper has a flair for creating “intense orchestral” landscapes with “crystalline gestures” and “languid lyricism” (The Scotsman). Their work Night Music, written for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, was the start of this fascination, leading to nominations for an Ivor Novello Award in the Large Orchestral Category, a shortlisting in the inaugural Michael Tippett Medal for Music, and the awarding of the Paul Mealor Award for Student Composers.

Their work, Dreams of Isolation, written for Sir Andrew Davis and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra was a deeper dive into the power of the orchestra. Described as “unique and original” (Sir Andrew Davis) the piece is a reflection on the transformative force of dreams with “haunting textures” and “impressive melodic writing” (The Art’s Desk).

In 2023, Jasper received a nomination for their second Ivor Novello Award, recognised for their piece Disco! Disco! Good! Good?. This work, written and workshopped for Aaron Holloway Nahum and the Riot Ensemble, pays tribute to the queer ballroom culture that emerged during the disco era, which created safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals to express themselves through dance and fashion. This recognition contributes to the development of their reputation as a composer with a passion for innovation and pushing artistic boundaries.

2021 saw the sell-out premiere of Jasper’s first opera, Coram Boy, based on Helen Edmundson’s theatrical adaptation of Jamila Gavin’s highly acclaimed novel an experience which has left them excited about new possibilities for the art form. Looking ahead to 2024, Jasper is set to debut a new opera, Fanny & Stella’s Last Day Out, in collaboration with librettist Jessica Walker for the Tète-a-tète festival. This work delves into the lives of two Victorian drag queens known for defying societal boundaries.

At present, Jasper is actively collaborating with two esteemed musical ensembles. Their work with the London Philharmonic Orchestra involves the creation of a new work for dance exploring themes of identity and microtonality, due for premiere in the summer of 2024. Additionally, Jasper is currently participating in the Royal Philharmonic Society's composers scheme, where they are collaborating closely with Lotte Betts-Dean and the Hebrides Ensemble on a new work for 2025.

Jasper’s music has also been performed by soloists and ensembles such as London Sinfonietta, Psappha, Berkeley Ensemble, Fenella Humphreys, Tabea Debus, Joseph Havlat, and George Fu; with broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and performances at Usher Hall, Hallé St Peters, St Martin-in-the-Fields, St Davids Hall, Royal Glasgow Concert Hall, and BBC Hoddinott Hall.

When I write music, I try to go on a journey to feel emotions, whatever they may be.  To me, music is a celebration of life; for all the pain and suffering we may endure, it is a gift to be alive. 

I hope music can take you on journeys of your own to places where you may want to be.  Thank you for listening.

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