My first time recording with a 60-piece orchestra. Recorded live in Manchester, England.
Welcome! I’m Eric Turnnessen — a composer who tells cinematic stories through the power of orchestral music.
This project documents my first experience recording original music with a full orchestra.
On November 15, 2021, I traveled to Manchester, England to record two compositions — Escape and Clear Sailing — with the NFO (Northern Film Orchestra) at The Stoller Hall. These were pieces I had originally written nearly two decades earlier, now being brought to life by a 60-piece ensemble and choir.
What began as a simple desire to hear my music performed by an orchestra gradually became something much larger: a deep learning experience in orchestration, recording, collaboration, and the process of translating ideas from imagination into sound.
This documentary follows the full arc of the project — from preparation and score review, through the recording session itself, and into post-production.
Along the way you’ll see rehearsals, booth communication, recording techniques, orchestral performances, and reflections from the experience of hearing these pieces performed live for the first time.
At its core, this film is about stepping into something long imagined and finally watching it become real.
The recordings from this session were released as an orchestral album featuring the final performances of Escape and Clear Sailing.
The music captures the session exactly as it unfolded in the room that day — preserving both the energy of the performances and the atmosphere of the experience itself.
Step inside the process behind my orchestral debut with the NFO.
This collection includes individual performance videos, backstories behind each composition, downloadable full orchestral scores, and recording session footage.
Whether you’re curious about orchestration, recording sessions, or simply interested in the creative journey behind the music, this collection offers a deeper look into the process from many different angles.
This project would not have been possible without the generous creativity, care, and support of everyone involved. I’m deeply grateful for each contribution that brought my music to life.
Composer — Eric Turnnessen
Orchestrater — Susie Benchasil Seiter
Conductor — Melvin Tay
Orchestra Recorded at — Stoller Hall — Manchester, UK
Orchestra — Northern Film Orchestra
Orchestra Manager — Jack Hughes
Concertmaster — Elizabeth Lister
Recording Engineer — Simeon Ogden
Recording Technician — Robert Davies
Camera Operator — Ben Harrison
Mixing/Mastering Engineer — Jack Hughes
Video Editor — Eric Turnnessen
Consulting Editor — Cindy Thoennessen
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