Merseyside composer Emily Howard commissioned to create a new work for the 2012 Cultural Olympiad

Dec 15 2010 by Catherine Jones, Birkenhead News

A YOUNG Wirral composer has been commissioned to write a new work for celebrations surrounding the London Olympics.

Emily Howard is one of 20 new music commissions announced as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

She will work with Second Movement to create Zatopek!, a 12-minute chamber opera for baritone, mezzo, adult and youth chorus and mixed ensemble.

The 31-year-old said: “For a long time I’ve wanted to write opera, and so I’m absolutely delighted to have received an opera commission for the Cultural Olympiad.

“Zatopek! will receive its world premiere in my home city, Liverpool, with further performances in London and the Czech Republic in 2012.

“I’m very excited to be working with young opera company Second Movement.”

The 20 works commissioned for New Music 20x12 each last 12 minutes, and offer a snapshot of the quality and diversity of new music in the UK.