A groundbreaking exhibition has opened today at Brunswick Art Gallery in central London, featuring films and piano tracks by composer Fabio D’Andrea in a unique showcase of a visual album.
Titled “24”, Fabio’s collection of 24 piano pieces represents each of the major and minor chromatic keys, making it the first of its kind in the 21st century. What sets this collection apart is that each piano piece is accompanied by its own music video, creating the world’s first classical video album. The films tackle contemporary issues and themes, including domestic abuse (featuring Mel B), disability (featuring Rose Leslie), and mental health (featuring Russell Tovey).
Fabio expresses his excitement about the exhibition, saying, “I am absolutely thrilled that Brunswick Art Gallery is showcasing ’24’ in this innovative way. It breaks new ground by merging the realms of art and music in an unexpected manner. I am eager to present the ‘big screen’ effect of my work to gallery visitors. I am truly passionate about reaching younger audiences and demonstrating that classical music can be enjoyed in various forms.”
Each music video features renowned actors and dancers who are passionate about contemporary music and the arts, allowing them to showcase their exceptional acting abilities through dance. The videos encompass a wide range of genres and feature dancers from prestigious companies such as The Royal Ballet, Rambert Dance Company, and The London Contemporary Dance School, as well as leading commercial street-dance companies. The choreography is masterfully crafted by some of the UK’s top choreographers.
One of the early videos from the series, “The Sleeping Beauty,” directed by Fabio, has garnered recognition at numerous film festivals and has received over 20 international awards, including “Best Music Video” at the esteemed LA Short Fest. Another video, “Love Should Not Hurt,” featuring Spice Girl Mel B, has generated unprecedented global media coverage. Natalie Dormer and Ellie Bamber are among the other notable actors who have participated in Fabio’s videos.
Overall, “24” is a visually stunning collection of music videos accompanied by beautiful original piano music. Fabio hopes to inspire younger generations and foster a renewed appreciation for contemporary dance and music. The videos portray a diverse range of stories, covering social issues, cultural history, and visual celebrations of the natural world, making contemporary classical music accessible to a global audience.
Brunswick Art Gallery, located in Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AE, is open from 11am to 5:30pm (4:00pm on weekends).