Writing a piece of music at just 16 is quite a feat. But Bradford’s Anesu M took it all in his stride!
Anesu was one of our digital creators from The Pulse of Bradford whose work will feature in a Virtual Reality Film touring Bradford Libraries next month. We asked three young poets and two musicians to create some original work reflecting the ‘sound of their city’.
Here is what Anesu had to say about the project;
I’m Anesu M and I’m 16 years old.
My piece, Outstretched Hand, was inspired by the beck near where I live and my church, SRM Church. I used the lydian mode to evoke the feeling of uncertain hope, woven into a 5/4 time signature.The work draws musical inspiration primarily from Mammal Hands’ Kandaiki along with jazz elements.
I took part in this project because it was an unexpected opportunity for me to compose something creative for others to hear. It allowed me to be free on how I express through music on how I felt about living where I live.
The creative process was both fun and frustrating at times, but definitely satisfying once completed. Apart from the nerves of being filmed solo, it was impressive seeing the gear being set up and learning how it worked.
The films will be shown at the following libraries.
Friday, Jan 30 – Tues Feb 3 – Manningham Library
Wednesday Feb 4 – Keighley Library
Thursday Feb 5 – Ilkley Library
Friday Feb 6 – Shipley Library
Saturday Feb 7 – City Library Celebratory Open Mic 6pm – all welcome. Email Andrea.Hardaker@Bradford.gov.uk for a slot.
Bradford is one of the nine library services in England selected to participate in the groundbreaking Digital Spaces program. This innovative initiative in collaboration with Arts Council England, BFI, with National Lottery Funding, and The Space, is delivering an array of digital experiences in libraries throughout 2025, ranging from awe-inspiring VR showcases and hands-on workshops to funding opportunities for creating new digital content.
The poems, which were written over a number of weeks, speak to the thousand voices of Bradford’ as well as the delights of Lister Park and the isolation of modern-day life. They feature alongside a live piano performance and a specially composed electronic music piece, which also respond to the theme.
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