All Presentations

One World - One Music (1 hour + questions)

David Fanshawe presents his own original story of Music and Travel, focusing on 30 years' work as a composer, musical explorer and sound recordist. You will experience rare ceremonies and unique sounds recorded on Fanshawe's now legendary journeys throughout Arabia, Africa and the Pacific, as well as excerpts from his award-winning films African Sanctus, Musical Mariner and Tropical Beat. Using many live demonstrations, this multimedia presentation emphasises the importance of preserving our rich diversity of World Music. Fanshawe's inspiration and dedication is summarised by his own personal motto - "2% of People do, 98% of People wish they had!"

A Musical Journey of the River Nile (1 hour + questions)

A rewarding insight into the incredible story behind David Fanshawe's internationally acclaimed composition African Sanctus, now performed live all over the world. We share the genesis and inspiration behind this universal work, which was originally inspired by the composer's cross-shaped pilgrimage in search of the traditional music of the river Nile. This truly fascinating presentation, complete with original slides and recordings, explores the traditional music of Egypt, Sudan, Uganda and Kenya, as well as the work itself.

Optional Subjects for Further Presentations / Seminars

One World - One Music (extended) (suitable for up to 2 hours) (Includes questions)

Using the core of One World - One Music, as above, David Fanshawe features further traditional music from his travels and augments this presentation with his own compositions that are closely linked to his global experiences and travels eg. African Sanctus, Pacific Odyssey, The Awakening and The Lord's Prayer. This double length talk, with an interval, is highly suitable for festivals and educational seminars where more time is available.

The Global Voice (1 hour)

Demonstrating a wide variety of vocal selections mostly from ethnic recordings made around the world. The human voice is the primary instrument of music making in our world and is expressed in many forms. He explores alternative and perhaps more primitive vocal techniques (eg ululating, chest roaring) as well as vocal styles (gospel chanting). The voice speaks, the voice sings, and the voice is the fundamental instrument that guides us into music making. We listen to Songs of the Environment, Songs of Praise and Belief, Songs of Life.

Process of Composition

A very enlightening talk, suitable for small group interaction, about the many stages of composition, from the conception of an original theme to the finished work. This session also examines original scores, the development of a musical idea, orchestration, revision, recording, administration, publishing and promotion. Compositions: African Sanctus, Salaams, Millennium March, The Awakening, Dona Nobis Pacem & commercial film scores.

Composing Film Music (often combined with Process of Composition)

David Fanshawe shares his varied compositional styles employed for specific film commissions - demonstrating the versatility demanded of a composer to write for deadlines. Utilising video clips, click tracks, production briefs etc, he demonstrates film cues written for productions such as Tarka the Otter, Flambards, When the Boat Comes In. He also examines the use of traditional music and sound effects within a film score. With questions, he is happy to share his own personal experience of Producers & Directors, cueing, editing, dubbing, budgets, publishing etc.

Folk Music - The Endangered Species

David Fanshawe focuses on his 30 year career as a musical conservationist and sound recordist. Playing additional examples of traditional music, he highlights the philosophy behind his work and the need for musical preservation: "the race against time - the mass media invasion." We hear rare and original recordings and experience some privileged and golden moments of archival sound from the Fanshawe Collections. Countries include: India, Thailand, Laos, Zanzibar & Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Egypt, Senegal and Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia.

Visiting a Composer's Studio

A half-day group visit to David Fanshawe's studio near Marlborough. This unforgettable experience includes the multimedia presentation, One World - One Music, with a tour of the Fanshawe Collections (tapes, slides, journals, manuscripts) and an exclusive opportunity to meet a living composer, in his own creative environment, share his current projects, aspirations and indomitable enthusiasm.