Nonclassical is partnering with NottFAR to present weekly videos showcasing new experimental music and creative sound practices from the Midlands. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be catching with the featured artists from the series to learn about their practice, influences and lockdown habits.
Composer and pianist Fumiko Miyachi’s music is a colourful melting pot of driving rhythms, vibrant harmonies and multicultural influences. Her music has been performed and commissioned for musicians and festivals worldwide, including the BBC Singers, Opera North, Gaudeamus Music Week and Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival to name a few. As a pianist, Fumiko specializes in performing contemporary repertoire and has been one half of Cobalt Duo with Kate Halsall since 2013.
What are you listening to this week?
I've been listening to Bon Iver this week. My track of the day is ‘Hanging On’ by Knower.
Has the pandemic affected your process/work? Have you started/been involved with any new projects?
Yes it has. Many projects have been put on hold, or pushed back. I'm using this period to reflect deeply and refresh my mind, so that when things do start to pick up, I'd be in a good place to kick-start the creative process again.
What's getting you through this second lockdown? Any lockdown pastimes you'll keep up? And what will you get rid of?
Growing plants and having chickens kept me going through the first lockdown. These are getting me through this second lockdown!
Search #fumifarm on instagram for more from Fumiko and her chickens
What's inspiring you recently? Any recommendations for lockdown 2.0?
The tremendous therapeutic potential of phytochemicals yet to be discovered has been inspiring me for some years now. I can recommend Let thy food be thy medicine by Kathleen Hefferon. I can also recommend The Mandalorian.
Watch Fumiko’s performance as part of our Nonclassical x NottNOISE partnership here.
We caught up with the featured artists from NottNOISE to learn about their practice, influences and lockdown habits.