Pulsing, cinematic techno-soundscapes
The London premiere of Trip the Light Fantastic is an electrifying mix of sound and light created by Paraorchestra in collaboration with Charles Hazlewood, electronic music luminary Surgeons Girl, and ‘responding composer’ Oliver Vibrans.
This euphoric electro-orchestral concert experience fuses Surgeon Girl’s (aka Sinéad McMillan) pulsing, cinematic techno-soundscapes with the acoustic realm of the orchestra. McMillan’s powerful electronic scores are filtered through Oliver Vibrans’ orchestrations, with a mix of acoustic, analogue and digital instruments played by virtuoso disabled and non-disabled musicians, conducted by Charles Hazlewood.
The show also includes the specially written Prelude to a Beginning by another Paraorchestra-affiliated composer Asteryth Sloane.
“This is a chance to experience familiar sounds and sights in utterly new ways,” said Paraorchestra director Charles Hazlewood. “Trip the Light Fantastic embodies Paraorchestra’s spirit of adventure in the very nature of its composition. It’s not just as simple – or dare I say unimaginative – as a musician writing a score and an orchestrator creating a seedbed of sound to be played underneath. Sinéad’s electronic compositions have been remodelled in the orchestral sphere by responding composer Oliver Vibrans. Throughout the creation of the show, these were performed by and improvised upon by Paraorchestra musicians. The resulting sounds are then mixed, dubbed, and modulated live by Oliver and Sinéad, bouncing the music back and forth between each other and adding new layers at every turn.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with these brilliant artists and push the boundaries of what an orchestral performance can be.”
Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Friday 12 April, 8pm.
Ticket prices range from £10 to £30 and are available at www.southbankcentre.co.uk
