Writing a Symphony Inspired by Photography
The process of Jimmy López Bellido writing a symphony inspired by the Altered Landscape Photography Collection
Jimmy López Bellido selecting photographs from the Nevada Museum of Art for his new symphony by Reno PhilharmonicHarrisonParrott Foundation
Composer Jimmy López Bellido
Jimmy López Bellido was approached by Conductor Laura Jackson to write a new work inspired by the Nevada Museum of Art’s Altered Landscape Photography Collection. The Reno Philharmonic consequently commissioned Jimmy to write Symphony No. 3, ‘Altered Landscape’.
Street view of Nevada Museum of Art and the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts
Altered Landscape Photography Collection
The Altered Landscape Photography Collection features more than 1,000 contemporary landscape photographs which focus on the ways humans alter the landscape. The collection includes images that address issues related to the changing landscape.
[See some of the images here]
Ann Wolfe, one of the curators at the Nevada Museum of Art
Jimmy discusses fusing photography and music
The experience of writing a symphony
“Writing a symphony takes a lot of time and effort but there are very few musical experiences that can compare to the electrifying feeling of following the journey of a symphony from its initial motifs until its very end.” Jimmy López Bellido, The Arts Desk
Jimmy discusses when the work was written
“When I was initially approached by Conductor Laura Jackson to write a piece inspired by “Altered Landscape”, the world was still oblivious to the gruelling test it would endure just a few months later.” Jimmy López Bellido
Jimmy discusses when the work was written
“Written fully within 2020, this symphony accompanies the fate that humanity has undergone since the end of WWII all the way until, hopefully, a not-so-distant and hypothetical future, where we will have finally learned to coexist in harmony with Earth.” Jimmy López Bellido
Jimmy and Laura Jackson reunite to discuss the work
Reno Philharmonic perform Jimmy López Bellido's Symphony No.3 Altered Landscape alongside projections of specially selected artwork. by Reno PhilharmonicHarrisonParrott Foundation
How the symphony relates to the environment
“The symphony explores the dynamic interconnectedness of humans and the Earth and envisions a hypothetical future where people exist in harmony with the natural environment.” Jimmy López Bellido
Q&A session taking place at Nevada Museum for Art, for Reno Philharmonic's Inside the Music interview series. by Reno PhilharmonicHarrisonParrott Foundation
The two landscapes in the symphony
“One landscape has endured alterations to the environment related to the rapid acceleration of human innovation since WWII. A second reveals an abrupt halt in global activity caused by COVID-19 that juxtaposes the tragedy and opportunity we face.” Jimmy López Bellido
Every orchestra that performs Symphony No.3 Altered Landscape are asked to donate to the Nature Conservancy. by Reno PhilharmonicHarrisonParrott Foundation
The Nature Conservancy
Each orchestra that performs Symphony No.3 are asked to donate to the Nature Conservancy at the McCarran Ranch Preserve, who have recently partnered with The Reno Philharmonic. This is to inspire conversations while making a tangible difference to the environment.
Watch the final culmination of the commission
Jimmy López Bellido checking through the score in the auditorium by Reno PhilharmonicHarrisonParrott Foundation
Writing symphonies
“It is only in [symphonies] that I feel that I can transcend; that I push my own boundaries and reach for the heights. They are my way of meditating, elevating my thoughts, and reaching toward the divine.” Jimmy López Bellido, The Arts Desk
Jimmy López Bellido takes a bow on the stage with Reno Philharmonic after the premiere of Symphony No.3 Altered Landscape by Reno PhilharmonicHarrisonParrott Foundation
Living in an altered world
“Whether we want to acknowledge it or not, we live in an altered world now, but the future has not yet been written. May this symphony be a testament to the vision of a world everyone wants to see themselves live in, and may it plant a seed of hope & beauty. Jimmy López Bellido
The Reno Philharmonic perform Jimmy López Bellido's Symphony No.3 Altered Landscape by Reno PhilharmonicHarrisonParrott Foundation
Living in an altered world
“It is important to understand that we are all part of a grand and majestically interconnected organism, and that our actions never occur in a vacuum, as they have inescapable consequences for us and future generations.” Jimmy López Bellido
Reno Philharmonic and Nevada Museum of Art
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