STEVE REICH at Trinity Laban

Superstar composer Steve Reich came to Trinity Laban to be given an honorary fellowship, answer questions from students (above) and watch a performance of one of his best-known works.

The 83-year-old American minimalist has been given the fellowship in recognition of his groundbreaking contribution to music over six decades. The citation declared: “He is responsible, perhaps more than anyone, for widening the audience of today’s classical music.”

Before the presentation, Reich listened to a new take on his 1987 guitar composition Electric Counterpoint – an arrangement for electric viola by TL head of strings Nic Pendlebury. At the end of the piece, Reich led a standing ovation and said: “The idea that Electric Counterpoint could be bowed had never occurred to me. I want to thank Nic for a beautiful surprise.”

Later, Reich told composition students during a Q&A: “Write pieces for a combination of people you know in the music community you’re in - things will grow from that point. Write something so moving and magnetic they want to hear it. Music should absolutely rivet you so you’re just in it – if not the composer or performer has failed you.”

Picture: Tad Kyprianou