| Music for Humanists |
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There's music for airports and car parks as there is for the church and the military, but is there music for humanists? If there is, what sort of music is it and how does it differ from other music? William Morris, Director of Music at the British Humanist Association, spent the evening with the Central London Humanists to find out. No matter what you’ve heard, music doesn't simply fall from the clouds. Every piece is created by human musicians. If composers aren't writing for the solo human voice then they almost invariably rely on technology, which doesn’t necessarily mean computers and synthesisers. The violin and grand piano are just two examples of extraordinary fine-tuning in the evolution of musical instruments, and two of the instruments William likes to employ. Humanist Introduction Some more about William Morris
He has received commissions across many varied media, including the award-winning film Facing Mara (Native Voice Films), the BBC radio play The Glasshouse, and most recently the More4 documentary On That Day. He has also been involved in collaborations such as with artist Fran Barrault, composing and performing a series of piano music to accompany her images, Bridges of Light. William has produced a wide range of compositions ranging from children's music to stirring ceremonial anthems. He has recently been concentrating on his collaboration with Simon Warne, writing the musicals Rasputin (Greenwich Musical Futures), What You Will (Royal Academy workshop) and Stratford Street (Chicago ANMT and The Kings Head, Islington) along with film and animation work. He has enjoyed being Musical Director for Company (Questors Theatre, 2007), Singin' in the Rain (Richmond Theatre, 2004), as well as working with Riding Lights Theatre Company children's workshops, both as MD and producing songs to accompany their work. Other educational work includes a successful private teaching practice and teaching at The Royal Ballet School. William started his musical career as a chorister in the famous Temple Church choir, where he became principal soloist and Head Chorister. He has sung on radio and television with the Temple Church Choir and as a soloist with the Royal Choral Society. William Morris is published by Chichester Music Press and is a member of PRS, MCPS. He is also a Professional Writing Associate of Mercury Musical Developments. William's can be contact via his website www.pentatone.co.uk. |
William Morris is a freelance composer, musical director, educator and performer. He has an MA in Composition for Film and Television with distinction and as the recently appointed Director of Music for the British Humanist Association has been writing music for their ceremonies and special occasions.