Opus 1: Getting to know… Tomás Brantmayer
Chilean composer Tomás Brantmayer is in the middle of writing a symphony and has his sights set on a commission for Barbara Hannigan. Find out more here:
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- What are you looking forward to about being part of Opus 1?
Being part of a process of learning and artistic discovery. Also, I’d like to share learning with other musicians, performers and composers, and exchange ideas and points of view about the music and the composition.
- Who has been your biggest musical influence so far?
My brother, an extraordinary musician who passed on to me his love for music.
- What inspires you to compose?
Life itself, love, friendship, politics, and the possibility of communicating something that I can’t say in words. For me music is about life!
- What sort of music do you like to write?
I’d like to make a music that allows us to communicate and be moved, and that helps us to build the dreams that in our lives weren’t possible. It’s hard to say, but I think that means music deeply connected to human pain and joy at the same time.
- What is your favourite instrument (or voice) to compose for?
The orchestra! An instrument made up of many instruments, and many human beings.
- Why do you think creating new music is important?
It’s not only important, it’s also unavoidable, and in a world where there is so much injustice, it’s essential to keep alive the capacity to be moved.
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- If you could write a brand new piece for anyone in the world, who would you choose?
- Barbara Hannigan, for me one of the most incredible artists in contemporary music.
- What’s your biggest compositional ambition?
Right now, my ambition is to finish a symphony I’m writing, but in the future I would love to compose an opera!
- What 3 pieces of music would you have to have on your desert island?
Liber Usualis, the compilation of Gregorian chants
Symphony No.9 by Ludwig van Beethoven
Daphnis et Chloé Suite No.2 by Maurice Ravel
- What is the best snack?
Marzipan!
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You can discover some of Tomás’ work for yourself on his Soundcloud.
