2013 Magazine - Royal Caledonian Ball

Among Serena’s
forebears, there
is a long history
of artistic and musical
talent and commercial
innovation and vision.
Serena has brought all
these gifts together and
found a niche for herself
in the world of
fireworks. Although the
concept of putting music to fireworks is
centuries old, Serena feels the musical
element has been side-lined and needs to be
considered as instrumental as the fireworks,
for a truly outstanding display. This, she
believes, is the key to creating fireworks
displays that really inspire and leave people
feeling moved and elated.
Serena has loved music all her life. She started
learning the piano aged 3 and later studied
under a Russian concert pianist. She
continued studying Classical music at
Edinburgh University and performing
numerous piano recitals and later took her
training further in Music Production at the
prestigious London School of Sound.
Serena wants to change people’s perception of
what a firework display can be. She believes
that music can transform a display – creating a
new world of art and imagination that most
people have not yet experienced – developing
firework design into a new art form.
Tell us about your work
My work stems from a passionate belief in the
power of music and its ability to move people.
You can use music to illicit any emotion in
people, be it joyous, excited, sad or
contemplative.
Interview with Serena Foyle
Music Designer for Fireworks displays
20
To this end, I now create bespoke musical
soundtracks for fireworks displays, from small
private shows to large international
competitions. In all displays that I create, both
elements, the music and the fireworks, are
treated with equal importance. I design the
music for my displays and collaborate with a
fireworks designer, to create a high impact
result that captivates the audience.
You describe yourself as a
“pyromusical producer”. What is a
pyromusical?
Simply, it is fireworks set to music- both are
designed together, the one enhancing the
other. In a pyromusical, there is the potential
for the audience to experience the power of
the two elements of audio and visual
inextricably linked.
The term ‘pyromusical producer’ is a title that
has come about because until now there has to
my knowledge never been anyone who had
this specific role. The music is so often just an
afterthought, shoe-horned awkwardly into
even the most lavish displays. Music design is
the beginning of creating all pyromusicals and it
is crucial to get this right - a black sky is a
blank canvas on which the music can take the
mind on an infinite number of possible
journeys. Involving someone with musical
training and experience, right from the
beginning, will transform a display and
transport an audience, imprinting the
experience in their memories.
As the producer, I am responsible for designing
the soundtrack. I work from the very start of
the project with my chosen fireworks designer
to produce bespoke displays, gaining
inspiration from the surroundings and working
closely with the client.