My Orchestral Debut with the Northern Film Orchestra

My first time recording with a 60-piece orchestra. Recorded live in Manchester, England.

This project captures the moment a lifelong dream became reality.

In November 2021, I traveled to Manchester, England to record two original compositions—Escape and Clear Sailing—with the Northern Film Orchestra at Stoller Hall. Originally written nearly two decades earlier, these pieces were finally brought to life by a 60-piece orchestra and choir.

What began as a desire to hear my music performed by an orchestra became something much deeper: an education in orchestration, recording, collaboration, and the transformation that happens when imagination becomes lived experience.


Documentary

This documentary follows the complete journey—from score preparation and rehearsal to the recording session itself and the post-production that followed.

Along the way you’ll experience rehearsals, booth communication, orchestral performances, recording techniques, and the unforgettable moment of hearing these pieces performed live for the first time.

More than a recording session, this film is about stepping into something long imagined and finally watching it become real.

Album Release

The performances from this session were released as the Juniper album, preserving the music exactly as it unfolded in the room that day.

More than polished studio recordings, these performances capture the energy, spontaneity, and atmosphere of the session itself.

Listen on streaming platforms »


🎼 Behind the Scenes & Full Scores

Explore individual performance videos, the stories behind each composition, downloadable orchestral scores, and footage from the recording session.

Whether you’re interested in orchestration, film scoring, or the creative process, this collection offers a deeper look into every stage of the journey.

Explore the full collection »

Credits

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

OrchestraterSusie Benchasil Seiter

Conductor — Melvin Tay

Orchestra Recorded at — Stoller Hall — Manchester, UK

Orchestra — Northern Film Orchestra

Orchestra Manager — Jack Hughes

ConcertmasterElizabeth Lister

Recording EngineerSimeon Ogden

Recording Technician — Robert Davies

Camera Operator — Ben Harrison

Mixing/Mastering Engineer — Jack Hughes

Video Editor — Eric Turnnessen

Consulting Editor — Cindy Thoennessen