New short film based on the music of York professor released

Posted on 23 September 2021

The music of a University of York professor features in a new short film which uses 20 well-known Yorkshire backdrops.

Quantaform sees musician James Wilson (pictured) perform in multiple stunning locations across Yorkshire and the Humber, including the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. Photo credit: Martyn Butler

Quantaform showcases the award-winning music of Professor Ambrose Field, the Dean of the Faculty for the Arts and Humanities.

The film was produced by Screen Yorkshire and supported by National Lottery funding through Arts Council England and sees musician James Wilson perform in a number of stunning locations across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Rather than traditional concert halls, the locations include community spaces and non-traditional venues such as Harrogate Turkish Baths, Castle Howard and Bradford City Football Club.

Each movement, written by Professor Field for solo flute, is intended to precisely match the acoustics of the site in which it is performed.

Groundbreaking initiative

The filmmaking teams were recruited via Screen Yorkshire’s Connected Campus programme, a groundbreaking initiative linking together TV and film professionals, production companies and broadcasters with students trying to break into this competitive industry.

Students from the Universities of York, York St John, Bradford, Hull and Leeds Trinity supported the production team during the five-day shoot.

Everyday space

Professor Ambrose Field said: "James Wilson presents my cycle of flute pieces, Quantaform, in this beautifully produced short film. As a collaboration between experienced directors and new filmmakers, this production explores how everyday space can become unique and special.

"The music is moulded to the specific acoustic qualities of its surroundings: in this case, not classical concert halls but local bars, football stadia, shopping precincts, climbing walls, aircraft hangars, rooftops and mundane domestic bathrooms. Wilson’s performance of this virtuoso score is top-notch, and the result is visually and aurally stunning."

Quantaform is available to watch on YouTube.