We all know that young musicians have been struggling to have their voices heard this year. But undaunted Tate Pumfrey, a York University graduate student in composition, has been busily creating new music, and has found some excellent collaborators across the globe to perform and disseminate his work.
Tate composes for many genres, but extensively for the organ. What better instrument to perform, record and post on social media during a worldwide pandemic? There are no complicated COVID protocols to implement since one, solitary performer executes all the complex counterpoint and harmony all by themselves, in a large, well-ventilated church building.
Tate’s ability to connect and engage with other musicians has resulted in several compelling online performances of new music.
Here is James Flores, an Australian organist, playing Tate’s recently composed ‘Marche Joyeuse’ –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccpbB3ZVV9Q
And here is Carina Sturdy, an American organist, performing ‘Jubilate Deo’ –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqR8AOSkazI
If you like what you hear, please support Tate by purchasing some scores. He has created his own website where you can purchase ‘digital goods’ and keep in touch with what Tate is doing.
https://tatepumfreymusic.com/music
And – a final note about Tate – he is not only a great collaborative communicator, seeing projects through from inception and creation, to fruition in online performance, but he also possesses a well-rounded musicality, which includes skills in both church music and Celtic fiddling.
Take care and be well,
Steph
