‘Dreams On Fire’, the first single from Katie Melua’s new album, ‘In Winter’, was co-written by Katie and Don Black, and the accompanying video features Katie and members of Gori Women’s Choir, performing in the historic Georgian National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Tbilisi, in Georgia.
The theatre has twice survived fire, Tsars, the Soviet years, and civil war. Reopened in January this year, the Theatre has has had a multi-million pound refurbishment, completed over the past five years.
Katie says of her choice of venue for the video,
“In 2014, during the renovations,I was shown round the theatre by Zurab Lomidze who was director of the opera house in 1991 at the time of the civil war. In many ways the theatre symbolises a new phase for the country. The beauty and opulence of the building was at odds with my childhood memories of Tbilisi and it gave me a great sense of hope for the country’s future, that a place of art and culture has been so lovingly restored.”
The video sees Katie, on acoustic guitar, joined by conductor Teona Tsiramua and the choir, performing in the Red Hall. The very simplicity of the performance is echoed in the sound of ‘In Winter’, which Katie co-produced. Katie says of the way Teona works with the choir:
“the technique behind their singing is so different to what I have known before and it is fascinating to see how Teona works with the choir. The sound is visualised and sensed – both emotionally and physically.”
Directed by Simon Oxley and Sebastian Cort, the video for ‘Dreams On Fire’ is a collaborative project with Great Coat Films. Katie had a hands-on role in both the filming and editing.
Katie says of the song,
“I feel the stillness of the winter season really causes us to reflect on our lives and relationships, wondering if our loved ones share the same feelings when it comes to growth and the fear of change. I consider Don Black a master of lyric writing, and the words in this song sit right at the heart of a lover’s insecurity.”
‘In Winter’, Katie’s seventh studio album, will be released on October 14, and is now available to pre-order.
Katie will be taking her band and the 24-voice Gori Women’s Choir on a tour across Europe this winter, performing the album in its entirety, as well as a selection of Katie’s back catalogue.
UK dates:
Wed 23 Nov 16 Guildford, G Live
Thu 24 Nov 16 Bristol, Colston Hall
Fri 25 Nov 16 Southampton, O2 Guildhall
Sun 27 Nov 16 London, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Mon 28 Nov 16 Leicester, De Montfort Hall
Tue 29 Nov 16 Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall
Thu 01 Dec 16 Birmingham, Symphony Hall
Fri 02 Dec 16 Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
Sat 03 Dec 16 Glasgow, Old Fruitmarket
Find more information about the tour from Gigs and Tours’ website.
