Jessica Curry
Jessica Curry’s work often incorporates traditional orchestration fused with samples, loops and new media technology. Her compositions mix an urban, modern edge with a haunting and ephemeral yearning – one which is deeply embedded in the very particular spirit of English classical music. There is a pastoral melancholy to Jessica’s pieces and an emotional current that unashamedly speaks of the human condition, Romanticism and an attempt to capture a timeless longing. Jessica Curry aims to create beautiful, powerful and provocative music that has a profound effect on the audience – where the music creates the sense of place and evokes unexpected emotional responses.
Jessica has collaborated on a variety of projects with games developer and researcher Dr. Dan Pinchbeck since 2003, including a series of experimental computer games. Dear Esther was selected for Prix Ars Electronica 2008, was an award winner at Indiecade 09, Los Angeles and is now being commercialised for release in 2011. The Second Life piece The Second Death of Caspar Helendale was performed at the Royal Opera House. Jessica has also been commissioned to write two new large-scale games in 2012.
Earlier this year Jessica completed a new commission with Welsh National Opera and was selected for the PRS/Sound and Music year long residency, Adopt a Composer, working with MUSARC choir to develop a new commission.
Jessica has exhibited internationally and has received commissions, residencies, grants and awards from organisations such as the Royal Opera House, WNO, The Wellcome Trust, PRS, Sound and Music, The Royal Society of Arts, Welsh National Opera, Location One New York, Fabrica, PVA, Werkleitz Gesellschaft, Prix Ars Electronica, Labculture, Arts Council England, Hull Time Based Arts and Exeter Phoenix. She was the first ever Artist in Residence at the New Media Centre at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London and was also selected for the European Media Artist Residency Exchange programme in Germany.
Jessica’s film, i carry your heart, was shown around the world, including the prestigious Kassel Documentary Film and Video Festival and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Venezuela. In February 2010 she was selected to represent the UK Arts Council delegation to SXSW Interactive, Texas and in April 2010 was chosen to participate in the PRSF New Music Incubator, Sweden.
In 2011 Jessica’s new work, Perpetual Light: Requiem for an Unscorched Earth was premiered at the Old Vic Tunnels in London and the work will tour in 2012.
Photo: Julia Burstein
