Dublin-based Italian Colombian composer and producer Caterina Schembri has released her debut album, Sea Salt & Turpentine, which she launches at the NCH on Thursday.. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
On the album, Ficino Ensemble and vocalist Michelle O'Rourke perform in rotating subsets on an album that "showcases a deeply personal and highly sensitive approach to chamber and vocal music".
To mark the album launch, Ficino Ensemble and vocalist Michelle will perform the album in entirety from beginning to end without breaks as part of the Metronome Series at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, at 8.30pm on Thursday 14 November.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I had two beautiful Siberian Huskies as pets, Thor and Zeus, the sweetest dogs ever! I am putting together a collection of Polaroids with all the Lighthouses of the Island, I'm nine in so far. As a child, I used to put together theatre plays with my two siblings every year, it was great fun.
How would you describe your music?
Introspective and rich in texture. With a focus on colour, nuance, and detail. I often work with text, using imagistic lyrics or literary allusions.
Who are your musical inspirations?
It's a long list, but if I had to pick a few composers, I'd say, Claude Debussy, John Adams, Arvo Pärt, David Lang, and Meredith Monk.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first big gig I remember going to was The Killers in Bogotá DC (2009)
What was the first record you ever bought?
I remember very distinctly getting the Spice Girl's Spiceworld CD as a present from my parents when I was a kid, loved it. I believe the first LP I bought was Jóhann Jóhannson's Theory of Everything soundtrack.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Tricky! For the last while I have been obsessed with Neptune from the album Planetarium by Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly and James McAlister.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Has to be Moon River by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I'm gonna cheat and say a symphonic piece instead, Debussy's La Mer.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Sea Salt & Turpentine is out now via Ergodos. More about my music on my website.
Alan Corr
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