Twenty-four brilliant young disabled and non-disabled musicians return to Poole for an uplifting classical concert experience as part of the NOYO tour which travels across the country this year, visting Birmingham, Bristol, London and Poole. There’ll be instruments you’ve never heard before; discover the sounds of the Seaboard Rise and the ClarionTM as well as original music written for the orchestra.
Elements by award-winning composer Alexandra Hamilton-Ayres is one piece that will be performed and it’s a work which invites us to feel the devastating impact of climate change through music. Composer Alexandra said: “The piece I created is about the elements – but the destructive elements – to drive awareness of the reality of climate change and what we truly face.”
NOYO members perform with BSO Resound at Lighthouse, Poole in 2022
Meanwhile, Ben Lunn’s Wittgenstein’s Chorale carries the group’s message of inclusion. It pays homage to a virtuoso pianist who after losing his right arm in the First World War continued to play left-handed, commissioning and performing new works by Ravel and Hindemith. Soaring through Sparks was written for the Clarion by Michael Betteridge who said of his piece: “I was so excited to be writing for a relatively new instrument, […] To me, this instrument sounds like it’s really soaring, and that is what inspired me”.
Here at the BSO we’re proud to work with the National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) throughout the year. Progression routes for young disabled musicians in the UK were traditionally limited, due to lack of access to suitable musical provision, instruments and opportunities to play with others. NOYO addresses this by bringing brilliant young disabled and non-disabled musicians together to rehearse and perform . Its sound innovatively blends acoustic, electronic and accessible instruments – some of which are not traditionally found in orchestras, such as the electric guitar or the accordion, and others unfamiliar, such as the LinnStrument, the Seaboard RISE or the ClarionTM, which some musicians play with eye or head movement.
This particular concert at Lighthouse, Poole on 18 May is a relaxed performance and is welcoming of disabled and neurodivergent audiences, families and anyone else who would benefit from a less formal environment. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and audience members are free to leave and re-enter the concert hall at any point. There will be a Chill Out area outside the concert hall, for anyone needing quiet time before or during the performance.
This concert will be BSL interpreted, with the interpreter positioned on the right side of the stage.
Jess Craig BSO Participate Senior Programme Manager said: “We’re really excited for the fantastic young people in our Bournemouth NOYO Ensemble as they join forces with young musicians from across the UK and take to the stage. It’s been great to see them all progress throughout our regional rehearsals in the year and this tour marks a real highlight for them as an ensemble”
For tickets and more information click here