Spotlight: Sound Composer - Torben Lars Sylvest

The self-made talent from Andover is now one of the most in-demand dance theatre composers and it all started working with Far From The Norm

Torben Lars Sylvest by Camilla GreenwellFar From The Norm

Torben Lars Sylvest - Music Producer & Composer

Torben Lars Sylvest is a music producer and composer creating original scores for dance theatre and film. Torben's unique musical voice grows out of his passion for building worlds. 

By collaborating with artists with important things to say and sensitively crafting scores he helps to develop and facilitate urgent narratives.


“When the pulse of Torben Lars Sylvest’s music begins to change, a spirit of rebellion stirs.”
Judith Mackrell

Torben Lars Sylvest by Camilla GreenwellFar From The Norm

Torben's work has been heavily influenced by sample-based hip hop and experimental electronica, taking sounds sampled from unconventional sources and blending them with field recordings in new and innovative ways.

Torben Lars Sylvest by Camilla GreenwellFar From The Norm

Alongside his career producing music for UK dance theatre choreographers and productions, Torben has worked with a number of up-and-coming London-based vocal artists, producing the break out single ‘Creeping’ for the critically acclaimed Obongjayar.

Torben Lars Sylvest by Camilla GreenwellFar From The Norm

"It’s as though you’re allowing a room of people to hear all your private thoughts, especially as much of my music is made in my own home, and for a long time, in my bedroom. It makes me feel naked with nowhere to hide."
Torben Lars Sylvest

Listen to Torben Lars Sylvest start to expand on his collaboration with choreographer Botis Seva

Torben Lars Sylvest by Camilla GreenwellFar From The Norm

Torben's collaboration with choreographer Botis Seva is trailblazing; and it's hard to find another choreographer and composer partnership in the UK that work in such an authentic, bluetooth way.


The process usually entails Botis sending Torben a brief about what he envisions the sound to evoke, any references of similar music palettes and rhythms and then there is a back and forth to edit and layer the music to the final version.


"Visualisation is very important in my work as my soundtracks always accompany a visual performance."
Torben Lars Sylvest

Credits: Story

All photography of Torben Lars Sylvest by Camilla Greenwell

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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