Tracing Lines

Composer Dr Robert Fokkens has just released his debut CD of work written over the last decade on the Métier label. Tracing Lines, the first recordings of six chamber works and one song, explores the intricacies of identity, particularly in Dr Fokkens' own experience of being a white South African living in Europe.

The CD will be launched at a gala concert by the Fidelio Trio at the Cardiff University Concert Hall on Tuesday 1 October 2013.

Dr Fokkens, a lecturer in composition at the University's School of Music, said: "Over the past ten years, my main interest has been the exploration of identity – looking at how musical styles, cultural, social and geographical background, and personal experiences are all reflected in the music one writes. For me, these have been, and remain, questions which require constant consideration and re-evaluation. It is fortunate that I have a creative musical avenue through which to do this."

The cover image, taken by South African photographer Santu Mofokeng, reflects the idea of lines and tracing lines, as well as Dr Fokkens' own background. The black and white landscape is of the N7 motorway and Reconstruction and Development Programme houses in the Western Cape winelands north of Cape Town.

Dr Fokkens said: "The cover image, apart from being very striking and vivid in its own right, carries many resonances for me. The RDP was the new government's programme to build housing and amenities in South Africa after the end of apartheid. The programme had varying levels of success but was, at the time, symbolic to me of the 're-set' and new start for the country, and the promise of a more equitable and peaceful future for South Africa.

"I'm from the Western Cape myself and the N7 – the route from Cape Town to Namibia – is a road I travelled frequently in my teens and early adulthood as my father lived there."

The pieces on Tracing Lines are performed by The Fidelio Trio (violinist Darrah Morgan, cellist Robin Michael, and pianist Mary Dullea), joined by soprano Patricia Rozario and bass flautist Carla Rees. The gala concert on 1 October also marks the beginning of the School of Music's 2013/14 concert series. Tickets are available online atwww.ticketsource.co.uk/cardiffmusic or a bilingual box office on 03700 10 10 51.

The CD will shortly be available from Métier (www.divine-art.co.uk) or directly from Dr Fokkens (www.robertfokkens.co.uk - using the Contact form). From early 2014, it will be available from all major distributors (including online outlets).