The Civitella Ranieri fellowship has given me the most rare of gifts in our modern lives — the uninterrupted time and peace to create.

To compose in the beautiful castle, impregnated with history and nested in the lush nature of it’s surroundings has been enormously inspiring.
I was especially seduced by the diurnal and nocturnal sound world of Civitella: the crickets, the birds – especially doves – and countless other creatures. The rhythmicity, variations of melodic structures, and in particular the harmonic colours were so striking that they found their way into my work.

Sharing this unique experience with amazing artists was thrilling and a source of pure joy. Our work and friendship are the best testimony to the great time we had together.

My special gratitude to the professional and kind staff who made it all possible.