sound collective is a genuinely innovative ensemble, formed by leading musicians from British orchestras and the thriving freelance scene
sound collective presents only four to five projects per year, so that the musicians (who are all very busy with their own ensembles) feel that each concert is something different to their normal mode of working. This has led to some very exciting performances that have won admiration from audiences, composers and critics. Programmes aim to combine less well known works by the great masters with contemporary music and the cornerstones of the repertoire. As the group dedicates more rehearsal time than is often possible in other environments, it can take a fresh look at even the most frequently performed works. World and London Premiéres have included music by John Simpson, Matthew Taylor and Luke Anthony.
What distinguishes sound collective from similar ensembles is a democratic ethos, dedication to rehearsal time, concert presentation and approach to programming. Ideas for projects and concerts come from the players in the ensemble, and rehearsals are designed to be an opportunity for all the musicians to contribute to interpretation. Often, the group operates without conductor. Where possible, the group will present their performances by giving musical guides to the works before they are played, with players, conductor and composers given the opportunity to talk about the music. We take care to speak to our audience in a non-technical manner, so that non-musicians can appreciate what is being said as well as more experienced audience members.
Education work is becoming increasingly important to the work of the ensemble, and we have constructed programmes for young people that give the opportunity to really engage with the musicians - but always with a public performance at the heart of the project. In 2007 the group collaborated with the Jackdaws Music Education Trust (Frome, Somerset) to establish an innovative project with schoolchildren from 10 to 18 years of age, based on Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale. Performed and developed with the education company Rhythmically Speaking (www.rhythmicallyspeaking.com), the success of this scheme led to an immediate repeat in London, in conjunction with Trinity College of Music's Raising the Roof community scheme.
Another area of collaboration with Trinity College of Music (Greenwich) has been the establishment of a mentoring scheme between musicians from the group and talented students from the college's Post Graduate programme. These young professionals are able to observe the members of the sound collective at work both with the group and in other musical arena, to observe the realities of the music profession and be assisted with the crucial leap from study to paid performance.
Formed in 2003, sound collective is proud to work with members of the Philharmonia, London Symphony Orchestra, English National Opera, RTE Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic and Royal Ballet Sinfonia. Section Principals 'fix' their own colleagues, so that they can work with their favourite musicians.
Please click here for sound collective reviews.