Fantasia Feature - Harry Baker

In the first of our series of Fantasia Features, we sat down with Harry Baker, arranger and pianist, to delve into his creative process, inspirations, and the journey that led him to arranging pieces for this years BBC Proms.

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How do you approach of arranging such a wide range of music?

In general, I tackle all arranging across genres in the same way: get to know the original score/recording, brainstorm lots of creative ideas, form a structure for the piece from these ideas, and then hop onto Sibelius to write it! Having said that, for the classical arrangements in this programme (Brahms and Dvorak), it was more of an orchestration exercise: finding the best and most creative ways to represent the original music for different instruments.

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What have you most enjoyed about arranging this programme for the BBC Proms?

It's been equally thrilling and challenging to tackle such a variety of music! Switching between arranging The Girl from Ipanema, Stevie Wonder and Dvorak, often simultaneously, whilst aiming for a high-quality and creative product with each, has been a very fun task!

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Do you have a favourite item in the programme?

Sing To The Moon (Laura Mvula) has long been a song close to my heart. It was the first piece I arranged for the programme, and I spent a while trying to find authentic yet fresh colours for the arrangement, to present it in the best light.

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‍Finally, when not composing, arranging, or playing the piano, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Burying myself in any of the many sporting events at the moment!

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We can't wait to perform Harry's arrangements at this years BBC Proms and we'd love you to join us!

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Prom 20 - https://www.fantasiaorchestra.com/whats-on/bbc-proms-prom-20

Prom 22 - https://www.fantasiaorchestra.com/whats-on/bbc-proms-prom-22

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