John Lely
The Briton John Lely (b. 1976) studied composition at the Goldsmith College in London, where he also lives today. Digital expressions and interactivity are central elements in several of his works. A common trait is also the use of mp3 player and dictaphone and/or involving the audience from the stage. This will become evident to the audience at Litteraturhuset, during the performance of the piece Second Symphony.
Presently Lely is engaged in a research project spanning over two years, named Words and Music, and financed by the British Arts and Humanity Research Centre (AHRC). The project is based at Bath Spa University and examines textual scores, an alternative notation where text replaces notes and other conventional musical symbols. He also teaches experimental acoustic art at the Chelsea College of Arts.
It is not the first time John Lely is performed at Ultima. In 2002, the piece Fall in the fresh lap of the cloudy messenger was performed at Parkteatret, by the British ensemble Apartment House, in which he himself also from time to time participated. In this piece, the chimes from reception desk bells are frequently used, also being the case in Desk Bells, which will be performed at this years festival.