UKARIA has announced that its 2023 residency has been awarded to composer Kevin March.

He will use the residency to develop and deliver his 30-minute multidisciplinary project, The Unknown Swimmer.

Composer Kevin March. Photo supplied

The piece is both a song cycle and theatrical work, written for soprano and speaker, chamber ensemble and digital environments. The title is borrowed from an anthology by soprano and poet Judith Dodsworth, one describing her recovery from a mental health crisis during COVID lockdowns, aided by cold-water swimming. Dodsworth also features as a performer in March’s work alongside flautist Laila Engle, cellist Campbell Banks and percussionist Louise Devenish.

The work also invites photographer Jason Reekie on board for the creation of its digital environments, with Justin Gardam contributing lighting and video design.

“It is both an honour and a privilege to be awarded a UKARIA residency. The Unknown Swimmer is a project that is close to the hearts of the creative team, and I can’t wait for the time we’ll have together...