Vikki Stone publishes comic concerto
Comedian, musician and composer Vikki Stone has secured a publishing deal for her debut orchestral work, Concerto for Comedian and Orchestra.
The work is being published by the music-specialist imprint of Faber & Faber, with versions for both small and large orchestras.
A spoken word concerto - the first work of its kind - Concerto for Comedian and Orchestra sees the comedian in the role of 'soloist' alongside an orchestra of 27 musicians.
Supported by The Bliss Trust Composers Bursary, Arts Council England and PRS Women Make Music, the work was given its world premiere at Glastonbury Festival in June 2017 and in the same year performed at Latitude Festival and played The Pleasance Grand at the Edinburgh Fringe.
The piece was developed as a vehicle for Stone's own comedic talents but it has been written in such a way that it can be performed by other comedians, with the script able to be adapted as necessary. It comprises of four movements, with a narrative, and also introduces the audience to the orchestra and issues of concert etiquette. Highlights include 'The Arrival of the Dishwasher' and 'March of the Latecomers'.
Vikki Stone says: "Music has always been a huge part of my life. I trained as a flautist and studied at the Royal Academy of Music, so composing a work of this scale has always been a huge ambition of mine. It combines my two great loves - comedy and music - and I'm very excited to now be working with Faber Music on this piece."
Showcasing her unique combination of classical music knowledge and comedy sensibilities, Vikki has presented two years of the BBC's Proms Podcast, covering the 2016 and 2017 Proms seasons for BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 6 Music.
Ahead of the Concerto for Comedian and Orchestra's performance at the 2017 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, she spoke to British Comedy Guide about the work, its development, and its future.