RNCM Quartet Involved in Charity Project for Manchester Legend

The RNCM’s Cassia Quartet was recently involved in a charity project celebrating the life of Manchester favourite Tony Wilson.

Violinists Amy Welch and Tory Clark, violist Laurie Dempsey and cellist Joshua Lynch, all RNCM graduates, were invited to perform on St Anthony: An Ode to Anthony H Wilson by composer and arranger Joe Duddell, who had previously worked with the Quartet when they accompanied Tim Burgess at the College in 2013.

Joe said: ‘I first met Cassia through the RNCM’s external engagements department. Tim Burgess was playing at the RNCM and had asked me to write some string quartet arrangements. We wanted to use students from the College.

‘I was really impressed by their [Cassias’] versatility and they now play for me as part of the Festival No 6 Ensemble. Cassia was a natural choice to take into studio to record St Anthony. Tony Wilson was a great believer in young talent and they rose to the occasion – particularly Laurie on a challenging viola part.’

Produced by Skinny Dog Records (a label formed by members of I Am Kloot and Elbow), St Anthony: An Ode to Anthony H Wilson is described as a touching tribute to Factory Records legend Tony Wilson, who died in August 2007.

Featuring a poem by Mancunian poet and lifelong Wilson fan Mike Garry with music by Joe Duddell, it will be released on 14 August to raise funds for The Christie Charitable Trust. The Ode also comes with an accompanying video, produced by Soup Collective, which features contributions by an array of Wilson’s friends and collaborators, including members of New Order, Christopher Eccleston, Iggy Pop, Steve Coogan, Johnny Jay, Leroy Richardson, Terry Christian, Richard Madeley, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Shaun Ryder, Johnny Bramwell, Paul Morley, Mark Radcliffe, Andrew Weatherall (who has remixed St Anthony), John Cooper Clarke, Peter Saville (who has created new artwork for the project) and  Philip Glass.

Tony Wilson launched Factory Records in 1978 and went on to establish the label by signing the likes of Joy Divison, New Order and The Happy Mondays. He became known as Mr Manchester for his work promoting the city and was immortalised in Steve Coogan’s 2003 film 24 Hour Party People and Joy Division’s biopic Control.

To pre order your copy of the single click here, here or here. Alternatively, to donate to The Christie’s Charitable Trust text FACT65 £ (followed by the amount) to 70070.

To book tickets for the launch event on Friday 14 August at Old Granada Studio click here

28 August 2015