Derry film-maker and composer wins prestigious award

Echo Echo is very pleased to share the fantastic news that Colin Norrby’s Amid the Noise and the Haste has won the Light Moves Festival Innovative use of Music and Sound Award, sponsored by Contemporary Music Centre Ireland, at the prestigious biennial dance film festival held in Limerick.

One of the Prize Adjudicators Robbie Blake, performer, director and composer, commented on the film:

“I really enjoyed all the shortlisted works, yet this compelling, heartfelt piece shone through. The interweaving of compositional elements – aural, filmic and physical – felt particularly special and noteworthy.”

Amid the Noise and the Haste was commissioned and produced by Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement in 2021 – the eighth edition of the international festival that has presented the work of over 300 artists to date.

Multi-talented local film-maker, musician and composer, Colin Norrby, was commissioned to record and make the film, and compose an original score, based upon a series of solo dances called Together Alone: Solos in the City by a cast of 20 people of all ages, directed by Echo Echo Artistic Director, Steve Batts, dancing in 50 locations around Derry and the northwest:

“I'm thrilled to have received an award for the music and sound in Amid the Noise and the Haste. I'm very grateful to the festival for showcasing the film alongside several other unique works by amazing artists. The many dancers and the city of Derry itself served as a powerful source of inspiration for the sounds and music I made for the film.”

Reflecting on the unique project, Echo Echo Artistic Director and Festival Director, Steve Batts, said:

“As commissioner and producer of the film, I'm very happy that Amid the Noise and the Haste won this award. Colin Norrby is an exceptional artist in both film and music/sound. The comment from adjudicator Robbie Blake recognises the quality of the multiple layers of different elements that are essential to the film.

"The film stands as a powerful and poignant filmic work, while also deeply respecting and capturing the spirit and sensibility of the project, Together Alone, from which it grew. I think that's something that only the best dance films manage to do. Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company has collaborated with Colin Norrby frequently in the past and we look forward to working together again in the near future.”

Amid the Noise and the Haste was supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Derry Strabane Council.