Amphora, scored for Soprano, small ensemble and Dancer (opt.), is inspired by the art and poetry of French German Poet/Dadaist Hans Jean Arp. Setting 5 poems by Arp using the narrative of each and the shape and contours of Arp’s sculptural works to inform the music, Helen commissioned dancer Kamala Devam to choreograph in response to the music she created and dance silently to embody Sophie Taeuber - Arp’s wife, collaborator and muse.
A stunning costume for Kamala was designed and created by Swiss Couturier Martina Trottmann, commissioned by Caddick to cast shadows of Arp’s sculptures onto the walls as Kamala danced and moved. Amphora premiered at Turner Contemporary at the opening of the Arp: Poetry of Form 2017 exhibition, generously supported by Arts Council England and Royal Holloway, University of London.
The London premiere at Tête à Tête 2018
Audience Response
To Amphora
In 2017 composer Helen Caddick premiered Amphora, inspired by the key 20th century avant-garde figure Jean Arp. In the spirit of the artist's dadaist style, Amphora is a true collage of styles which deserves repeated listening.
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The Musician Spring 2018 – Amphora chosen as a top pick favourite
The performance was stunning and made the whole evening very special. The combination of music, voice and dance worked beautifully. I found it powerful and moving. - Eric Robertson October 2017 Curator of Arp: Poetry of Forms exhibition at Turner Contemporary October 2017 - January 2018.
This is the second piece of music that I have heard from Helen and each time I have been moved by her music, by the way it transcends me into another dimension. Rarely do I experience so much emotion in a piece of music, her ability to capture ‘pure emotion’ within the context of a beautiful structure is a very special talent. In her music she has truly captured the feminine dimension, which I rarely hear. We hear much music expressed through the ‘male’ perspective, but not often do we have the opportunity to hear the essence of the ‘feminine’ expressed through music. Her music transcends the ordinary into something quite magical with its ethereal, spiritual qualities’. – Susan Redgrave 18 October 2017
I was entranced by the music and performance and transported by it. Helen came up with such an interesting and unique starting point and translated those ideas brilliantly. - Emma Clarke 14 Oct 2017
Amphora - a magnificent work. It was astounding. - Moya Stirrup 12 Oct 2017
News
August 2018
On Saturday 18 August, 2018, Helen's work Amphora received it's London premiere at the prestigious Tête à Tête: Europe's largest Opera festival. Inspired by the art and poetry of dadaist Jean Arp, it was selected as a top pick favourite in The Musician Spring 2018 and featured stunning dance/choreography by Kamala Devam, dadaist costume created by swiss couturier Martina Trottmann, performed by Soprano Katherine Crompton with the incredible CantiaQuorum ensemble. A screening of Amphora ...the making of by Phil Miller preceded the performance. To view the London premiere at Tête à Tête 2018 visit https://www.tete-a-tete.org.uk/event/amphora/
November 2017
In November 2017, the film Amphora...the making of photographed and directed by Phil Miller went on display at Turner Contemporary, Margate. Looped throughout November 2017 until January 2018, it explored the creation of Caddick's Amphora, tracing Helen's creative journey and that of choreographer Kamala Devam and costume designer Martina Trottmann in the creation of the work. A filmed performance of Amphora captured live in the Sunley gallery, was looped alongside.