The world première of Emily Howard’s piano concerto Mesmerism will be given by Alexandra Dariescu, the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra and Mark Heron on 8th October at Pacific Road Venue, Birkenhead. Mesmerism is one of a series of works inspired by Ada Lovelace, pioneering mathematician and daughter of Byron (the others are a dramatic vocal work, Ada sketches, and Calculus of the Nervous System for symphony orchestra). Ada dabbled with mesmerism, a forerunner of hypnosis developed by physician Franz Mesmer.

Pianist Alexandra Dariescu writes Pianist Alexandra Dariescu (“Rising Star” BBC Music Magazine) comments on the collaborative process between soloist and composer in creating the new work.

"When Emily Howard first approached me I was delighted to learn that she intended to write Mesmerism with me in mind as the first artist to perform it. It is a real privilege to have a work written for you. The process of having a concerto written for you is very exciting and it involves a great deal of trust between composer and performer. Emily and I have met several times, talked about what we would like to portray in the piece and how best to express it in music. She has also come to lots of my concerts to get to know my playing. The next important step for a performer is establishing the very intimate connection with an audience which makes a piece unique every time you play it. From that will come new perspectives that again influence the way you perform and I look forward also to the second performance of Mesmerism on the 20th October at the Cornerstone Festival in Liverpool"

www.alexandradariescu.com

Mesmerism has been commissioned by the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra on the occasion of its 60th Anniversary with funds from the PRS for Music Foundation.