Summer Series at Somerset House: Open-air concerts return with Alison Goldfrapp as photographer

Singer Alison Goldfrapp has captured Laura Mvula and Jack Savoretti ahead of their headline sets
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Grand London icon Somerset House is once again to host open air concerts for eleven days this July.

From July 7 until the 17, the courtyard will welcome acts including Laura Mvula, Jack Savoretti, The Beautiful South’s Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, and Mercury Prize winner Benjamin Clementine.

Alison Goldfrapp, one half of electronic duo Goldfrapp, was commissioned to capture two of this year’s headline acts by American Express for an online gallery. Her collection, Anticipation, opens with Mvula and Savoretti ahead of their evening performances.

'The magic of it is capturing the moment in between a pose and being natural. That’s the thing you search for'

&#13; <p>Alison Goldfrapp</p>&#13;

Speaking exclusively to the Standard, Ms Goldfrapp, who performed at the 2013 Summer Series, said: “The idea of a performer photographing another performer was interesting to me. And I thought it was an interesting concept to be on the other side, playing a different role, a reversal of how it usually is.

“Taking a photograph of anyone, I think, is a very intimate experience, which is what I really like about it. I liked the idea of taking photographs of someone as they’re preparing to go on stage: that anticipation, the kind of adrenaline you get as you’re about to perform, maybe getting into a pose, being concentrated, but a little bit high because you’re getting ready to do something.”

Her striking images capture both artists ahead of their shows, in the grounds of Somerset House. Later, on July 10, she will take candid shots of Laura Mvula, shadowing her from dressing room to stage and past the final encore, giving a unique glimpse at concert behind the scenes, from start to finish.

“It’s a really intimate time to be around someone,” Ms Goldfrapp said, “This is a very set up situation, you have other people watching them, and watching you. The magic of it is capturing the moment in between a pose and being natural. That’s the thing you search for.”

Among the other acts performing this year are St Germain, French gypsy electronica group Caravan Palace and gravel-voiced singer James Morrison.

Summer Series at Somerset House runs from July 7 - July 17. For tickets, visit somersethouse.org.uk. To see the full gallery of Alison Goldfrapp’s images, visit amexsummersounds.co.uk. The event is sponsored by American Express.

Follow David Ellis on Twitter @dvh_ellis

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