ResearchWorks: Alice Purton - In Search of Electricity: Pain, Pylons, Practice

A performer’s path is rarely straightforward.

After experiencing an injury that halted her cello-playing career, Alice Purton was faced with the task of finding ways to make music that would not only advance her professional work but also feel bearable in each present moment. Never letting go of the search for electricity in her music-making, her practice has naturally and necessarily evolved to include singing and composing. 

In this ResearchWorks event Anna will discuss the projects that have grown out of these changes, as well as the personal realities of attempting the fine balance all artists seek: between holding on and letting go; perfecting and accepting; the mundane and the magic.

Speaker

Alice Purton is regularly invited to give composition, performance and cello masterclasses at institutions including Oxford, Durham, Manchester, Southampton, Goldsmiths, Harvard, Stanford and Colombia Universities, RNCM and Guildhall School. Alice also teaches musicianship to students of all ages through the Kodaly method with DaCapo Music Foundation, where she is co-musical director.

Guildhall School’s ResearchWorks is a programme of events centred around the School’s research activity, bringing together staff, students and guests of international standing. We run regular events throughout the term intended to share the innovative research findings of the School and its guests with students, staff and the public.