Métier Announces Kevin Raftery’s “Second Child”

Divine Art’s leading new-music label, Métier, has announced the second album of works by British composer Kevin Raftery, which is being recorded over the next few months and is scheduled for release in Autumn of 2020. Raftery sees his albums as progeny, created after a long gestation process so has titled this new collection ‘Second Child’. While much of Raftery’s music is ‘serious’ he also has a fine knack for writing works of wit and humor.

Raftery’s Chamber Music (Métier MSV 28569, issued in may 2017) met with unanimous positive reviews. Second Child broadens the picture adding choral and piano works alongside chamber music.

String Quartet No. 2, subtitled “Serioso”, develops ideas from Beethoven’s intense opus 95 quartet. Atlantis Dances for mixed quintet also touches upon deep feelings in its central “Mourning Dance”, albeit framed by more jubilant dances – the whole suite being second child to the earlier work First Companion.

Between these we hear a thoughtfully crafted program. Cook From Frozen is a journey for piano. Choral works Dimitte nobis and Three English Poems frame a meditation for two muted violins, Musica Fermata.

Raftery is blessed by co-operations with performers of the highest level: the Marmen Quartet, the Berkeley Ensemble, Clare Hammond, and Polyphony led by Stephen Layton.

Kevin Raftery was born in St.Louis, Missouri, in 1951 and studied composition with Peter Racine Fricker at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

In 1989 he moved to London where he studied with Justin

Connolly and maintained a dual career as musician and project manager.

He sings contemporary music with the New London Chamber Choir, plays bassoon in several ensembles, and is Music Director of the 500-member Richmond Concert Society.

For journalists in the UK who would be interested in attending sessions (the composer/artists are eager to offer interview opportunities), the Marmen Quartet will be recording on 29 November this year, and Polyphony on June 25-26 next year. These are world-class performers and the composer believes anyone would be thrilled to see them in action. If any journalist wishes to arrange attendance they may obtain venue details etc from Divine Art.

Album Details

“Second Child” – music by Kevin Raftery

Métier MSV 28600 for release in autumn 2020

Tracks and artists:

• String Quartet No. 2 (“Serioso”) – Marmen Quartet
• Cook from Frozen – Clare Hammond (piano solo)
• Dimitte nobis – Polyphony, dir. Stephen Layton
• Musica Fermata – Members of Berkeley Ensemble (two violins)
• Three English Poems – Polyphony, dir. Stephen Layton
• Atlantis Dances – Berkeley Ensemble (bass clarinet, horn, viola, cello, double bass)