Live music from the Philharmonia Orchestra as part of their iorchestra programme in Truro, Cornwall
iOrchestra, the unique musical extravaganza, has finally arrived in Cornwall, providing a grand finale to its tour of the South West.
iOrchestra, led by the Philharmonia Orchestra, allows anyone to experience first-hand the incredible soundworld of an orchestra through a wide range of interactive projects, workshops, school and community visits, online resources and performances. Local schools in particular are being urged to visit iOrchestra over the next two weeks.
“The use of digital technologies within iOrchestra enables school children to learn about classical music in a fresh and exciting way. All three strands of the project include interactive elements,” says Cornwall’s iOrchestra Coordinator, Rachel Caccia.
In Plymouth, iOrchestra reached an amazing total audience of 16,665 people. We’re hoping for a similar success in Cornwall
MusicLab is a pop up musical installation and offers a series of hands-on musical games and interactions, designed to put the visitor in the shoes of a composer, performer, producer or conductor. MusicLab is touring Cornwall and will be in Bodmin until 5 July and St Austell from 7-12 July. Opening Times are from Monday - Friday: 3pm - 5:30pm and Saturday: 10am - 5:30pm (closed Sunday). Admission is free.
Based on composer Igor Stravinsky’s ballet score The Rite of Spring, RE-RITE is a large-scale walk-through experience that offers visitors the chance to step inside an orchestra, to feel the sensation of being among more than 100 expert musicians and experience the thrill of walking amongst them, via giant projections, surround sound and interactive stations dotted throughout the installation.
RE-RITE will be in Lemon Quay, Truro until 12July (10am - 6pm, Friday 10am - 8pm).
Both MusicLab and RE-RITE give children the opportunity to compose, conduct and play real orchestral instruments, regardless of their previous musical experience.
iOrchestraculminates in two free concerts by the Philharmonia Orchestra. A free 75-minute afternoon concert by the Philharmonia Orchestra on Sunday 13 July at 5pm, Lemon Quay Piazza in Truro. The programme has been specially chosen to appeal to families and those new to orchestral music and is open to all. The second is just for schools and will be held the following morning at 11am on Monday 14 July in the Hall for Cornwall. The concert is based on the Philharmonia’s successful Orchestra Unwrapped Series that takes place each year in Leicester and Basingstoke.
Rachel adds: “If a school isn’t getting involved, we want to encourage children to attend with their parents. There is no need to book – just turn up and enjoy the experience! The entire programme is free to access and is founded on the belief that digital technology can be used to help people learn about and understand music, so they enjoy it more; and that music can be something that families and all members of a community might enjoy and explore together.”
She concludes, “In Plymouth, iOrchestra reached an amazing total audience of 16,665 people. We’re hoping for a similar success in Cornwall!’
iOrchestra has been funded by the Arts Council England under its Strategic Touring Programme. It takes place over two years and is designed to use the Philharmonia’s expertise in interactive digital installations and technologies to ignite enthusiasm and participation in classical music among new audiences. The Philharmonia Orchestra will be working in close collaboration with Truro City Council, Cornwall Music Education Hub and the Hall for Cornwall.
