Cool Fusion Comes To Putney

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Bringing new music & fresh drama celebrating the Olympics & Paralympics

Cool Fusion is one of the largest voluntary arts initiatives within the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Celebrating the Olympics and Paralympics within London’s vibrant culture, it presents four performances of new music and fresh drama in historic venues in Dulwich, Camden, Putney and Belgravia. Cool Fusion features the Lambeth Wind Orchestra, new work by composers from London, the South-East and East Anglia, Putney Writers' Circle playwrights, actors and rappers, Coronel Percussion, Cool Fusion jazz and electronica. Together, they create a London soundscape to connect with past, present and future Olympic endeavour.

The Putney performance will take place at St Mary's Church on 4th August. The site of the radical Putney Debates during the English Civil War, St Mary’s is accustomed to the epic (the annual grand Gala Ball) and the intimate such as London Composers Forum chamber recitals. Cool Fusion spans the same colourful spectrum, from music performed by a full wind and brass band to personal stories plucked from the past and retold by actors.

The concerts will include a new work by Putney-based composer Cedric Peachey. A taster of the piece is available on Youtube:

 

Cedric told PutneySW15.com: “Putney’s lively arts scene embraces an extraordinarily rich mix of classical, contemporary and popular events, from productions at Putney Arts Theatre to occasional concerts at St Mary’s.  Cool Fusion takes an innovative blend of these two strands and weaves them into the excitement and buzz of London 2012.  Working closely with two community groups in Wandsworth, Cool Fusion looks forward to delivering a unique and memorable experience with a distinct local flavour.”

Other locals making a major contribution include Putney Arts Theatre's Sarah Kitchen serving as Stage Director, plus four members of Putney Writers' Circle who have created the scripts for Cool Fusion's drama and spoken word elements: Rita Adam, Dan Clarke, Marcia Kelson and Linda Redshaw.

Cool Fusion will also take the Olympic excitement to Wandsworth senior citizens and young people through outreach projects with Regenerate-Rise and Paddock School.

Cool Fusion is proud to acknowledge support for this performance and local outreach by Wandsworth Borough Council's Cultural Wealth and Big Society Funds, with further support by public funds from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.