EVENT LEFANU CD launch & GEMINI's 50th anniversary

Aim

EVENT 25th February 2024: The launch of a 'portrait' CD of Nicola LeFanu chamber works AND 50th anniversary of the formation of Gemini.

Nicola LeFanu is a composer of exceptional gifts of head and heart. 

(The Boston Globe, USA)

Sheerly beautiful and passionate, [the work’s] riches are characteristically understated and implicit, the brilliance of the writing always at the service of the musical argument. (Tempo)

Nicola LeFanu is renowned for works of imaginative beauty, often drawing on diverse extra-musical prompts.  (BBC Music Magazine)

The Project

'the path among the dunes'

To record a CD of four major chamber works by Nicola LeFanu that span half a century of composing. It will make a valuable contribution to her repertoire of recorded music for several reasons:

• It is relatively rare for a woman to have a single-composer 'portrait' disc. Nicola is an internationally recognised composer. Thus, a recording of these substantial chamber works arching across fifty years is a highly attractive event: 
• It will inspire women composers, performers and academics of all ages, but particularly young women at the start of their careers and also be a cause for inspiration and celebration more widely.
• It will complement the orchestral CD released five years ago, which the composer says has been extremely beneficial to her in her continuing career as a senior composer.
• Many audience members, as well as professional musicians, are not familiar with her music from the 1970s to ‘90s. So, there is an important archival responsibility which this CD is addressing, as well as engaging listeners with recent work: the album includes ‘The Moth-Ghost’, composed during the pandemic.
• Gemini will record the works on the Métier label working closely with the composer. The ensemble has worked with Nicola since its first commercial recording in 1979, which she conducted,  and they have worked together regularly for forty years: on works written for the group; in concerts; operas; broadcasts; recordings and workshops. 
• The ensemble therefore has a deep understanding of her music and is proud to champion the work of someone who, in addition to having a successful and musically rich career, has also been a champion for the status and acceptance of women composers.
                                                                                                                       

The works to be recorded are: The Same Day Dawns (1974), soprano+ five instruments recorded only on LP by Gemini in 1979; Sextet (1996) premiere recording; Piano Trio (2003) premiere recording; The Moth-Ghost (2020) soprano and piano premiere recording.            .                                                                                                                       

Funding

This recording is a Gemini promotion. With a generous contribution from a private individual, and input from The Gemini Trust, c70% of the budget is already in place. However, to ensure that the project can be fully realised   (particularly in post-production, design, printing and packaging) the balance is being sought from various trusts, from individuals who are friends, colleagues, students or simply admirers of Nicola and her music through this crowdfunding appeal. All donations are most gratefully accepted. Thank you. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.nicolalefanu.com   www.gemini-ensemble.com

This project successfully funded on 7th July 2023