ALEX BEARD LEADS PANEL TO SELECT WINNER OF CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON’S ARTIST IN RESIDENCE OPERA COMPETITION

EMILY HALL SELECTED FOR RESIDENCY TO PRODUCE BRAND NEW SITE RESPONSIVE OPERA PROJECT AT CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON OPENING IN SEPTEMBER

8611ce3fe77fb046_800x800arGround-breaking composer Emily Hall has been selected from eleven finalists to produce a site responsive opera piece at the Corinthia Hotel London. After entering the hotel’s Artist in Residencecompetition – a search to find a composer or company to produce a brand new opera inspired piece inside the distinguished five star hotel- Emily Hall’s idea was selected by a panel of music and arts industry leaders.

The artists had all responded to a brief for a site-responsive, opera themed work, with nowhere in the hotel off limits. The winner was chosen this morning at the Corinthia London by a panel which included opera luminaries Alex Beard CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, Joseph Calleja, internationally acclaimed award-winning tenor and James Conway, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of English Touring Opera among others.

Emily Hall’s vision,  currently titled Seek and Hide, will use recordings and live performers to weave the sound and language of the hotel into a sonic tapestry that seeps into the very fabric of the building. On receiving the prize she said: I am delighted to be able to create something that everyone here can come back and enjoy.

Alex Beard said: It has been immensely difficult to select a winner from such an experienced and exciting shortlist but a huge pleasure to see so many bold ideas and new adaptations. I hope people who experience the finished production will be as excited and surprised as I was by the vision. I very much look forward to coming back in September to see the finished piece.

Corinthia Hotel London Senior Commercial Director Matthew Dixon said: Over the last four years our Artist in Residence programme has meant the Corinthia Hotel London has found a way to support some of the best new British talent in the arts. I’m delighted to see the programme grow year on year.

Following a month’s residency over this summer in which Emily Hall will immerse herself in the workings of the hotel, the project will premiere to audiences and guests alike in September of this year.

The announcement marks the fourth Artist in Residence competition at Corinthia. Previous residencies saw winning commissions from aspiring filmmakers Zawe Ashton and David Petch (2014), immersive theatre company Look Left Look Right (2013) and photographic artist Noémie Goudal (2012).