David Childs is embarking on a new PhD research programme at the Sonic Arts Research Centre at the Queen's University of Belfast.

The work will focus on the use of ground-breaking technologies to extend the capabilities of the euphonium, and on developing new works with interactive electronics.

Exciting opportunities

The research will be supervised by composer and Head of the Sonic Arts Research Centre Michael Alcorn, who told 4BR: “Exploring new technologies in the context of brass band instruments will offer exciting opportunities both to develop new repertoire and to discover new insights into performance practice.

David's extensive experience as an international soloist will give him a unique perspective on this project.”

New work

One of the first projects will be a new work composed by Michael for euphonium and interactive computer, which will see the addition of sensors and switches to the euphonium to enable greater expressive control of the electronic sounds.

The work, supported through funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, will be premiered in mid-2015.

Different manner

Talking to 4BR on his recent adjudication trip to the Swiss National Championships in Montreux, David revealed that he was thrilled to able to work with Michael at such a renowned research centre.

“I was fortunate to receive a Creative Wales Award earlier this year I have been looking to use it to pursue the development of the euphonium and its repertoire in a very different manner — especially with electronics and new technology.

To come to Belfast and work with Michael and his world class team provides me with a wonderful opportunity to do just that, and I am already excited by the new possibilities it brings to my performances.”

Exploring new technologies in the context of brass band instruments will offer exciting opportunities both to develop new repertoire and to discover new insights into performance practiceMichael Alcorn

Stockhausen

The Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC), is a multimillion pound research centre for music and technology, and was opened by Karlheinz Stockhausen in 2004.

More than 100 students from around the world have undertaken doctoral studies at the Centre since then on a range of compositional and technical topics and in collaboration with partners such as Digital Theatre Systems, HP, Apple and Infusion Systems.