Can you tell us about your musical influences?
Many of my inspirations are both musical and non-musical and include Maya Angelou, Nina Simone, Eckhart Tolle, Bach, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Sojourner Truth, Bob Marley, Berio, Stravinsky, The Abyssinians, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jackson, Ligeti, Jill Scott, Marcus Garvey and Sting. In so many ways, they have encouraged me to celebrate my authenticity, to explore my unique mode of expression and to write from a place of personal truth.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently composing music for an upcoming production at The Young Vic Theatre in London, an orchestral song commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society for the string players of the Philharmonia
featuring myself on voice & cello and a 20 minute suite for the Solem Quartet (London based string quartet) again featuring myself on voice & cello.
What are you looking forward to most about Music Patron?
Being able to share my journey as a composer with a group of people that truly appreciate the creative process and who want to support a new generation of composers. It’s incredibly exciting to be a part of such an innovative collective who want to nourish and invigorate the contemporary music scene.
Watch Ayanna’s short video on Music Patron: