Welcome to The Novel Project

ABOUT

The Novel Project is a new, innovative and immersive art form combining literature and music in an audiobook experience. Each project sees popular novels paired with music by our experts to reflect the text and propel the narrative further. Here at The Novel Project we wanted to explore new ways of engaging with classical music, particularly in this strange time. We wondered if by listening to music that reflects a text whilst reading, whether an immersive reading experience could be created.

The last year has been a real challenge for musicians and creatives alike and this project, recorded and created entirely remotely, is a response to the changing world of live music around us. Instead of recreating live music or bringing a concert online, this project seeks to find something new and exciting. Perhaps one of the most special parts of the project is the fact that it is recorded entirely from the homes of all our performers, ensuring music is continuing to be performed outside of the concert hall.

Perhaps the beauty of this project is the freedom and conversation it supports. Although the music interspersed throughout each book is specially prepared by our artistic team, it might not ring true for all listeners. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the project and what music brings your favourite stories to life!

Meet the

faces behind

The Novel Project

Charlotte Kennedy, founder of The Novel Project.

Charlotte Kennedy a young soprano in her fourth year at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where she is on the Vocal Studies and Opera Course under the tutelage of Sandra Dugdale.
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Since beginning her studies, Charlotte has plunged herself into musical life in Manchester. In 2018, Charlotte took on the role of Phyllis in Iolanthe with Manchester Universities Gilbert and Sullivan Society where she received fantastic reviews for her singing and this year prepared the role of Constance in The Sorcerer which was due to be performed in March prior to the Covid-19 crisis. At the RNCM, Charlotte enjoyed being in the chorus of their 2019 production of Vaughan Williams' The Pilgrim's Progress and more recently performed scenes from Der Freischütz as Agathe and Le Nozze di Figaro as Susanna. She is looking forward to exploring the role of Nina in Massenet's Chérubin in the RNCM 2021 Opera Scenes. Recently, Charlotte became a member of the RNCM Songsters, a pool of RNCM students who perform song repertoire in a variety of internal and, principally, external engagements.

Charlotte has worked as a steward for two consecutive summers at The Dartington International Summer School and has previously enjoyed working daily with Dame Felicity Lott in her Vocal Masterclass. Charlotte began singing from a young age and joined St James Church Choir at the age of 8, where she still enjoys singing when she is back from Manchester. She continues to place choral music as an important part of her musical development and has cherished being a member of vocal sextet Castor Voices. She is also a member of the renowned Hallé choir in Manchester and performs regularly at The Bridgewater Hall.

Charlotte is really interested in outreach and making music accessible for all people. Previously she has worked with the Pathfinder programme at the RNCM which supports young people in reaching the next step of their musical journey as well as The RNCM Children's Opera Project where a team of RNCM students create operas with young children in schools across Manchester.

The Novel Project sees a combination of Charlotte's love of song repertoire and her passion for outreach.