As part of the Herne Hill Festival, composer and nonclassical founder Gabriel Prokofiev has curated a programme of electronics, cello and percussion at Off the Cuff on 4 October. Featuring cellist Colin Alexander, percussionist James Larter and Gabriel himself, find out more about the artists performing and what they have in store for you.
Gabriel Prokofiev
Composing music that both embraces and challenges western classical traditions, Gabriel has emerged at the forefront of a new approach to classical music in the UK. After studying music at university, he became dissatisfied with the seemingly insular world of contemporary classical music and developed a parallel music career as a dance, grime, electro and hip hop producer. In 2003, he returned to classical with the composition of his String Quartet No. 1, which was performed at the very first nonclassical night.
As well as DJing throughout the night, Gabriel will be performing electronics for his works Cello Multitracks and Howl! with cellist Colin Alexander.
Watch ‘Jerk Driver’ from Gabriel’s Cello Multitracks>>
Colin Alexander
Cellist and composer Colin Alexander has written pieces for the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Mark Simpson, the Mercury Quartet and the London Contemporary Orchestra. As a cellist, he has performed in The Calling by Haroon Mirza and Shiva Feshareki at the Barbican, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and as co-principal for the English Chamber and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras. His group Tre Voci released their debut album Auro (featuring Kit Downes) with us back in 2018.
As well as performing Gabriel’s Cello Multitracks and Howl!, he’ll also be performing music for cello and hand-held percussion alongside percussionist James Larter, featured in Colin Alexander’s upcoming album Addelam: Live at Deal Festival.
James Larter
Percussionist James Larter performs regularly as a soloist and chamber musician, both in the UK and abroad. He was Guest Principal Timpanist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, side by side with the Philharmonic Orchestra and has performed at many prestigious festivals including the Royal Festival Hall, Cadogan Hall, Wigmore Hall and the Royal Opera House. He’s also recorded with the likes of Sampha, Stuart Zender, Zak Abel, Will Heard and Omar.
As well as performing a set with Colin Alexander, James will also be playing a solo set featuring Michael Gordon’s XY.
As part of the Herne Hill Festival, composer and nonclassical founder Gabriel Prokofiev has curated a programme of electronics, cello and percussion at Off the Cuff on 4 October. Featuring cellist Colin Alexander, percussionist James Larter and Gabriel himself, find out more about the artists performing and what they have in store for you.