Composer presents concert of music inspired by cats

London-based composer Shirley Ly is set to present the UK’s first concert of classical music inspired by cats. The concert, which will take place at the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul in London on 17 February, will feature works from Ly’s latest album, 9 Lives.

9 Lives is Ly’s fourth album and was written after the self-taught composer’s adopted a pregnant cat during lockdown. The album’s nine works for piano quintet and string quartet are inspired by the behaviour of her new companion and her four kittens, illustrating their playful, restful mischievous moments.

Ly said: 'Cats are magnificent creatures. Ever since I have started living with my five cats, my health especially mental health has improved drastically. My album 9 Lives, comprising of piano quintet and string quartet compositions, aims to capture the beauty, charm and mysteriousness of cats. I hope that my album draws a closer connection between classical music and nature.’

The concert will also feature Tales of a Loss Purr which articulates Ly’s sadness at the loss of one of her cats, who has been missing for over 6 months and conveys more broadly the grief felt by pet owners who have lost their companions.

Recently named a Scala Radio 'One To Watch' artist, Ly takes her influence from the natural world and from her grandfather, Tian Chen, an artist, poet and photographer from the Chinese city of Guangzhou. Ly completely self-funds all her projects and, for this concert will be collecting donations for Sulala Animal Rescue in lieu of ticket sales.