Inspired by the Grimm fairy tale, Goddard Nixon’s Fitcher’s Bird is a duet peppered with visions of the sub-conscious, in a dark journey towards freedom and a hymn to resilience. The piece was premiered on 24 April 2012 at the Spring Loaded Festival of Contemporary Dance at The Place, London. The piece is set to all four movements of 'Cortical Songs', written for 24 piece string orchestra and solo violin, by John Matthias and Nick Ryan. Cortical Songs, released on NonClassical Records in 2007, takes inspiration from the rhythmic patterns of neurons firing inside the brain. In Fletcher's Bird the solo violin was played live by Thomas Gould. Read more about 'Cortical Songs' here.
Jonathan Goddard was the first contemporary dancer to win the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Male Dancer. Gemma Nixon has performed with Scottish Dance Theatre and has been a member of Rambert Dance Company since 2006. They have been making work together since 2009, with performances at the Royal Opera House, the Royal Court, the Victoria and Albert Museum and The Place. Generously supported by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.