“The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has become the first symphony orchestra in the world to have a professional ensemble led by disabled musicians as a core part of its activities,” writes Katy Wright on Wednesday (2/7) at Rhinegold.co.uk (U.K.). “The ensemble will become a permanent part of the Orchestra’s output, and its musicians will be given performance opportunities, professional development, and will be paid professional rates. They will … perform not only as a standalone ensemble but also alongside the BSO…. The six musicians selected for the new disabled-led ensemble … are of professional standard; three of them studied at London conservatoires and another is currently in her third year at the Royal Academy of Music. BSO Change Maker and disabled conductor James Rose will conduct the ensemble in … public performances and workshops…. Alexander Campkin, the ensemble’s composer-in-residence, will work closely with Rose and the ensemble, as well as writing commissioned works and running workshops. Lucy Hale, the ensemble’s young composer-in-association, will work closely with Campkin and … explore compositional approaches with him and the ensemble, as they develop together to understand how to write for the ensemble and incorporate players’ specific access requirements. A name for the ensemble will be announced.”
Posted February 8, 2018
