Norman Perryman - A Life Painting Music

If you've been to Birmingham Symphony Hall you have probably seen this painting - I've just come across the latest entry in the artist Norman Perryman's blog: "A few weeks ago, with over two thousand others, I was shuffling towards the exit of Birmingham's Symphony Hall, slightly dazed, the sounds of Mahler 1 still going through my whole being. Mirga Gražinyté-Tyla had just conducted the CBSO in another fabulous concert. They brought the house down!  We pass by my painting The Mahler Experience - Symphony Hall. "Look", a woman in front of me says to her group, "I think that may be Mahler 2, with Simon Rattle". "That's right", I mutter. "Are you sure?" "Yeah, I painted it". The crowd comes to a standstill. "You painted it! Hey, he painted it!" Handshakes all round. I find this reaction rather amusing, but it happens every time I'm in Birmingham. A group of teenagers is hanging around. I try not to feel prejudiced about their demeanour. One of them eventually approaches me and says: "Sir, I just have to tell you: that painting changed my life. I now love classical music"."

Great stuff!




Norman Perryman is an "English artist born in Birmingham, living in Amsterdam. Painted many great musicians. Forty years ago started painting kinetic visuals live in concert, with major orchestras. 1993 BBC Television documentary with Sir Simon Rattle. “A musician who makes music with his paintbrush” (Yehudi Menuhin)."

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