Journey's end for orchestral programme

CoDI Pathway to the Orchestra participants at the final session of the programme

April marked the conclusion of our six-month artist development programme, Pathway to the Orchestra, led by composer Lynne Plowman. Over that time, it’s been a pleasure to see the cohort explore new approaches to composition and extend their practice into writing for orchestral instruments, notating for orchestra for the first time. 

Pathway to the Orchestra (PttO) is a targeted development programme designed to support self-taught and independent music-creators in taking their first steps into writing for orchestral ensemble: clarinet, cello, violin and piano. Building on the success of its first iteration in 2023-24, PttO aims to create access to orchestral composition for artists whose routes into music have not followed traditional conservatoire or university pathways. 

In partnership with BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the selected music-creators were invited to explore orchestral writing in a way that connects directly to their existing practice. This year, Adjua, Bethan Mai, Dean Yhnell and Sara Evelyn each brought their own distinct musical voices - ranging from electronic production and songwriting to beatboxing and experimental, interdisciplinary practice - into the programme. These varied approaches shaped a set of new compositions, which were developed and refined through workshops with musicians from BBC NOW across the course of the pathway. Each artist approached the programme in their own way, using it to extend their practice into writing for orchestral instruments. While they each developed an individual piece, the cohort model created space for exchange and discussion; allowing ideas, questions and approaches to be shared, and placing their individual development within a wider creative context. 

Across a series of one-to-one and group sessions with composer Lynne Plowman, each artist developed their own piece while building practical skills in orchestration, notation, and score preparation. Ethan Davies, Publishing and Research Manager at Tŷ Cerdd, also provided dedicated one-to-one mentoring in notation and software, supporting the cohort to engage with these tools in depth for the first time. The tailored nature of the sessions and workshops supported a range of creative approaches, reflecting the diverse genres and ideas within the group. Five wonderful BBC NOW performers - Jessica Feaver (cello), William White (clarinet), Christopher Williams (piano), Martin Gwilym-Jones (violin) and Gwen MacDonald (violin) - brought a generous and collaborative spirit to the workshops, exploring and expanding the vast possibilities of their instruments with each composer.  

Through workshops with the ensemble and attending BBC NOW performances, the PttO artists were able to test ideas, hear their work played by professional musicians, and develop a clearer understanding of how orchestral music functions in practice. For our last session this month, we recorded each new composition in the Tŷ Cerdd Studio. We’re really excited about the pieces, each one a sensitive and personal reflection which stretches each music-creator’s practice conceptually and musically through the possibilities of the orchestra. The pieces will be available to listen to soon - watch this space! 

Freya Dooley - Artist Development Manager, Tŷ Cerdd