George Higgs(b. 1968) is a composer, writer and director for theatre and cinema. His work has been performed across Ireland, in Russia and the United States and has received numerous awards including a grant from the Wellcome Trust, the Director's Prize from the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin and the Project New Work Award. George's work includes opera, symphony, compositions for small ensemble, music for experimental theatre, work for installation and a number of HIGGSTRUMENTS which he has designed for the installation of certain compositions. He holds a Masters degree in music technology from Trinity College Dublin and is represented by the Contemporary Music Centre of Ireland.
NEW HIGGSTRUMENTS CURRENTLY ON EXHIBIT:
The Evolvaphone
George recently received a commission from the Wellcome Trust, the Arts Council and the Science Gallery for The Evolvaphone, which premiered on November 24, 2009 - The 150th anniversary of "The Origin of the Species" - and is currently on exhibit in the Science Gallery, Trinity College. Two people enter the booth, input their initials using a telegraph key and witness this information generating a musical composition based on the laws of natural selection. George worked with Trinity College geneticist, Dr. Aoife McLysaght, on the scientific elements of the algorithm, which were programmed using Pure Data.
Dr.McLysaght inspects the Evolvaphone
And be sure not to miss . . .
Music for Modern Animals
Now on exhibit at Airfield Trust is Music for Modern Animals, a composition for telegraph ensemble and livestock orchestra. George has installed his composition in 3 outdoor hand-cranked music boxes on the front lawn of the farm. Visitors turn the crank to listen to the piece of music through the handsome plunger/speakers (see below).
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New Higgstrument currently under construction!!! A travelling self powered composition machine!!! Soon coming to a street near you!!!!!
Please refer to the 'works' section of this website for a comprehensive list of works, as well as audio and video samples of his work.