Cameron says: 'As a Welsh composer who grew up in North Wales then studied in Manchester, I feel like I have two musical homes: Wales continuously inspires me with its rich landscapes and ancient hill forts, while the North West of England is where I honed my craft and sound as a composer. Growing up, I found myself attending concerts by my ‘local’ orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO) and their contemporary group Ensemble 10:10. I loved how they champion new music and emerging composers from the North West. I was over the moon to hear that I was going to be paired with them for the RPS Composers programme, giving me the opportunity to connect with this ensemble that I’ve always admired.

Without giving too much away, my RPS commission Ghost Dances takes loose inspiration from Baroque dance forms as well as Stravinsky’s ballets. If it wasn’t for the music of Stravinsky, which I first heard in Disney’s Fantasia as a child, I don’t think I would be a composer today! I love how he creates excitement in scores like The Rite of Spring, The Firebird and Petrushka – from the raw material to the punchy orchestration. Ghost Dances comprises three movements, continuously performed with melodic fragments that recur, interact, combine and sometimes oppose, like characters in a play or film. 

As my year with the RPS progressed, my musical scribblings intensified. By June, I had submitted my workshop score and parts – it was now out of my hands. A month later, I arrived in Liverpool, hearing snippets of my music being practised by the musicians before our workshop began. I prepared myself, score and pencil in hand. The clock struck 11am: baton up, and off we go!

There is something magical about hearing an orchestra play my music that I can’t quite put into words. I was instantly taken by Ensemble 10:10’s vivid playing – the music simply came alive! Ghost Dances is virtuosic and full of flourishes, but the orchestra quickly got the meaning behind the music. It was such a delight to see the players enjoy and meaningfully engage with my material. I began to relax and work with the orchestra in earnest. By the end of the session, it was clear to me that: 1) the music was achievable in a limited rehearsal period, and 2) the parts were clear and made sense to the players. Both things incredibly important to know ahead of the premiere!

I’ve now submitted my revised score and parts, ready for the premiere on Wednesday 8 October. Thanks to the workshop, I’m feeling fully confident in the material and music I’ve written for Ensemble 10:10. I’m very grateful to RLPO and RPS for accommodating and commissioning this piece and I cannot wait for the premiere.’

Ghost Dances will be performed for the first time by Ensemble 10:10 on Wednesday 8 October at the Tung Auditorium in Liverpool. Visit our What's On page for details on how to buy tickets.