BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and Factory International present Philharmonic Sessions: The Augmented Orchestra

AVIVA Studios, Manchester: Saturday 15 March, 3pm & 7.30pm

This March, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra returns to Manchester’s iconic AVIVA Studios, the landmark new home of Factory International, for Philharmonic Sessions: The Augmented Orchestra on Saturday 15 March for two performances at 3pm and 7.30pm. Led by conductor and BBC presenter Ben Gernon, this immersive event promises an unforgettable evening of innovation and artistry, reimagining the possibilities of orchestral presentation and showcasing the Philharmonic’s bold creativity, whether you’re a devoted fan or new to orchestral music.

Following the success of previous experimental shows at AVIVA Studios, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra’s latest project once again invites audiences to experience music from within the orchestra itself, positioned in the vast North Warehouse. Listeners will be free to move around the space, exploring the orchestra as they perform across three huge platforms, creating a dynamic soundscape.

At the heart of the evening is the UK premiere of Anna Clyne’s PALETTE, a bold new commission from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, co-commissioned by The Julliard School, National Orchestra Institute Festival, New World Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and St. Louis Symphony. This groundbreaking Concerto for The Augmented Orchestra (AO) integrates orchestral performance with live electronic processing and sonic manipulation through a new audio technique created by Clyne in collaboration with sound designer Jody Elff. PALETTE explores the symbiosis between music and art, featuring seven movements that each explore a different colour. As part of her creative process, Clyne created a painting for each movement, exploring elements that also translate to the music - visual gestures, textures, light, colour, and form, resulting in a symphonic work that is inextricably linked to the visual language of this extraordinary artist.

The programme also features John Adams’ exhilarating Short Ride in a Fast Machine, a suite from Tchaikovsky’s timeless Swan Lake, Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves, and selections from Tom Adès’ Danté.

Director of the BBC Philharmonic, Adam Szabo says: "There's nothing like the thrill of hearing a symphony orchestra at full throttle, and this show will be an incredible showcase for our world-class group of musicians. ‘Philharmonic Sessions: The Augmented Orchestra’ will offer audiences an intimate and transformative musical experience as they are surrounded by musicians, immersed in sound, light, and the dynamic energy of live performance. This show is all about erasing the boundaries between the performer and the listener – it will be an unforgettable live experience.”

Composer, Anna Clyne says: “The UK premiere of PALETTE builds on a particularly rich and meaningful relationship with the BBC Philharmonic and conductor Ben Gernon and it marks the culmination of a fantastic three-season residency. PALETTE is a Concerto for Augmented Orchestra that features both soloists and sections from within the orchestra - musicians and personalities that I’ve had the privilege of getting to know through my time with them. Together, we are taking risks as we explore new ways to expand the more traditional orchestral concert hall experience - through the integration of live electronic processing through the Augmented Orchestra in collaboration with sound designer Jody Elff. It’s also been a joy to explore painting as part of my creative process for this color and texture-inspired composition.”

Tickets for the live in person performance in Salford are available for £25 here. This is a standing event.