A different tune (From Penarth Times)

A different tune

A PENARTH jingles writer swapped his computer for a music score when he reversed roles with a composer for a new television programme.

Nick Lloyd, 27, of town centre-based Strongbox Multimedia Arts Facility, took part in Can They Hack It: Composers, to be shown on BBC 2W on Thursday, May 2.

Nick was asked to compose a classical piece for an ensemble.

Meanwhile, Graham Firkin from Cornwall, an established figure in the classical scene, had to write a 30 second upbeat soundbite for an advertisement for a Birmingham shopping mall.

Director Dominic French said: "It was absorbing to follow the ways in which the two put their professional skills to the test in reversed roles.

"They both came out of it extremely well."

Nick said: "While I can't read a note of music, I don't really miss out. Mine's a totally different technique because my musical ideas go straight from my head into the computer where I can refine them to match exactly what's needed."

Married Nick, who studied at the London School of Audio, returned to Penarth three years ago.

He said: "I really enjoyed the idea of having a go at something classical. It was a huge challenge, but with a bit of help and some patient people in the ensemble, we got through it."