Reimagining musical improvisation through poetic inspiration: a creative practice investigation
In person and via Teams (KCT4, King’s College: 1-3pm, Thurs Feb 12)
This presentation explores creative practice as research through an innovative approach to musical improvisation and recording that challenges traditional boundaries between music and literature. Working with experienced improvising musicians, this study investigates how poetic texts serve as inspiration and catalysts for new creative processes and musical outcomes. Using a practice-based research framework, the project positions poetry as both creative stimulus and constraint in a 'comprovisation' process, resulting in a suite of short recorded works. The collaboration with a poet prompts a reconsideration of process, recording, and audience experience, with the final release presenting instrumental music alongside printed poetry, but without spoken narration. The findings highlight how creative constraints, invisible collaboration, and group improvisation can generate new musical directions distinct from the ensemble’s previous output.
Dr Sean Foran is an Australian composer, pianist, researcher, and educator based in Brisbane. He is internationally recognised for his work with acclaimed ensembles Trichotomy and Berardi/Foran/Karlen, and as a collaborator with leading jazz and classical artists across Europe, Asia, and Australasia. An ARIA nominee and multiple award recipient, his compositional work has been commissioned by organisations including the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Queensland Theatre. His research focuses on practice-based approaches to improvisation, live electronics, and collaborative creativity. Dr Foran is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), serves as Head of School – Sound, at SAE University College Australia, and has contributed to the sector through governance roles including the Board of the Wangaratta Jazz Festival.
- Speaker
- Dr Sean Foran
- Hosted by
- University of Aberdeen
- Venue
- King's College
- Contact
-
For further information, please contact Dr Christina Ballico at: christina.ballico@abdn.ac.uk.