• BSO Resound, the world’s first professional disabled-led ensemble embedded in a major symphony orchestra, gives a world premiere performance from Lighthouse, Poole.
  • Commissioned by Allianz Musical Insurance, Shirley J. Thompson’s Emanation reflects on 60 years of the Independent Living Movement and its impact on the lives of disabled people.
  • As audiences return to concert venues the group calls for inclusion to remain a core focus for the sector.

BSO Resound performs at Lighthouse, Poole, on Thursday 17 June, to both a socially-distanced physical audience and a livestreamed audience online. The concert forms part of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s new summer series of events, as it welcomes audiences back to the concert hall.

Emanation — a seven-minute work for chamber ensemble — was commissioned by Allianz Musical Insurance (AMI) to celebrate its 60th anniversary: the work reflects on six decades of social change for disabled people, instigated by the Independent Living Movement.

Composer Shirley J. Thompson said, “Emanation celebrates the journey towards independence for the disabled community, from the pioneering spirit of the 1960s through to the present day. This commission has enabled me to write for the linnstrument, a MIDI-based keyboard instrument that uses assistive technology, and it’s opened my eyes to a wonderful new world of sound: I look forward to hearing BSO Resound bring the work to life!”

Clarice Goff of Allianz Musical Insurance said, “Allianz Musical Insurance is proud to be Supporting Partner of BSO Resound. It’s fitting to have marked our 60th anniversary by commissioning this new work by Shirley J. Thompson, which not only reflects on six decades of social change, but will add to the repertoire for disabled-led ensembles of the future.”   

Siobhan Clough, member of BSO Resound said, “For me, this piece really does represent a journey: when playing Emanation I can’t help but reflect on what has been achieved over the last 60 years for disabled musicians, whilst looking forward to the unknown yet to come. It’s a pleasure to explore this celebratory work and draw new perspective from it.”

Performances by BSO Resound also feature as part of the Parallel Digital Festival of Inclusivity (27 July) and the Culture, Health and Wellbeing International Conference (21-23 June), when the group gives another world premiere performance, Cap O’Rushes by Cevanne Horrocks-Hopayian.

Lucy Warren, Head of BSO Participate, said, “As audiences and musicians return to the concert hall it’s more important than ever that inclusivity remains central to the conversation; we’re thrilled BSO Resound has been able to safely return to performances this summer, and to give the world premiere of Shirley J. Thompson’s Emanation thanks to the generous support of Allianz Musical Insurance.”

BSO Resound is known for spearheading change: in 2019, the six-piece chamber group won the Royal Philharmonic Society Impact Award for its part in improving opportunities for disabled musicians. It also made a high-profile debut at the 2018 BBC Proms as the first disabled-led group to perform at the festival’s illustrious 125-year history.

BSO Resound performs Emanation on Thursday 17 June. The concert will be available for 30 days online. See bsolive.com for tickets and further information.

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To book tickets for the hall or digital livestream click here to the BSO’s What’s On page.