Composer and Conductor Matthew Elderton-Lewis shares details of his exciting new project, EcoMelodies, centering environmental issues through climate inspired repertoire and invites leisure-time music groups to get involved.
On April 11, I had the opportunity to present a project proposal I have been developing since graduating with a Master of Music from Royal Holloway, University of London last September. Alongside sharing the proposal, it was so inspiring and encouraging to hear how members across the UK are already adapting their musical practices to benefit the environment and draw in more diverse audiences.
Titled EcoMelodies, the project aims to educate audiences on environmental issues through the performance of repertoire inspired by wildlife, nature, and climate change. Importantly, I am aiming for the project to offer collaborative olive branches to involve the chosen ensemble with environmental charities to help spread their respective messages and promote the important work that they are doing to help save our home.
EcoMelodies poster
Having spent the past eight months researching, sharing questionnaires and discovering a diverse selection of potential repertoire for the concert, I am thrilled to say that EcoMelodies has already garnered promotional interest from Making Music UK, British Dragonfly Society and Essex Wildlife Trust. Alongside this growing support, I have also received written encouragement from none other than Sir David Attenborough (I’m still pinching myself), who has encouraged me to continue working away to bring this project to life!
While there has already been so much progress, I am still seeking an ensemble to host EcoMelodies. Additionally, such a project could be fruitful when applying for arts funding as it is in line with many funding bodies’ core values. With the initial concert (hopefully) a success, there are so many ways for how such a premise could develop into an ongoing initiative involving all kinds of individuals and organisations across both the environmental and musical realms.
I’m still sending lots of emails and enquiring away weekly, so if anyone is interested in reaching out to learn more or would like to collaborate on the project, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me via my website.
Find out more about the project and Matthew on his website and follow him on Facebook/ Instagram/ X (Twitter).
