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AboutThirteen years ago I became acquainted with Paul Bunyan by taking part in a production mounted as a Practical Project. I was just embarking on my PhD (as far as I can recall but the memory plays tricks) and I was drafted in to play oboe. Through this experience, I realised that the Practical Project was one of those things that make York’s Music Department the place it is and why, as a bonding experience, there is no better way of getting a new intake of students to know each other, work together as musicians and find their feet in a new environment. In overseeing a Practical Project for the first time, I was conscious of finding repertoire that could involve as many people as possible. I seem to remember that a first year group in those ‘halcyon’ days numbered around 25 and rather different to 2006’s scenario with nearly 100. After the rejection of many works that might have been possible, but did not quite fit the bill for this year’s production, I returned to the idea of staging Paul Bunyan (or PB as it has affectionately become known in the hundreds of texts that have been sent over the last few weeks). It is the ideal vehicle for ‘Prac Proj’ as it encompasses music that ranges from Verdi, through Jazz and Blues to some wonderful early Britten that leaves the listener emotionally drained; it is a work that allows for real imagination both musically and dramatically; it has certain political resonances in a post 9/11 world; most importantly, it involves all at many levels. This has been a wonderful few weeks’ work, brought together by team of dedicated musicians who have shown that a Practical Project is the result of great endeavour by students for students. I am proud to have worked with a team with such energy and commitment. Because he is not being assessed and therefore can be singled out (!), Omar needs special mention. I threw the idea of directing the opera at him a long time ago and he has run with it with all the way. A huge thanks to you. From conversations long after midnight, to early mornings in the department, weekend meetings and rehearsals, to the first shiver down the spine when the Quartet of the Defeated came together for the first time on stage, this has been a great experience. - John Stringer |
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