The Theatrical Orchestra

British Music Ensembles Experiment with Performance

Adrian Curtin

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English

Manchester University Press
01 May 2025

Theatre Studies; Theatre direction & production; Western "classical" music

The Theatrical Orchestra analyses experimental performances by British music ensembles in the twenty-first century. Orchestras are reconceiving how concerts are programmed and presented, how musicians perform, where performance can occur, and the role of the audience in the co-creation of the live event. They are embracing theatricality, thereby realising music more fully as a multi-sensory performance art. This book explains how and why orchestras are thinking theatrically about performance, and uses the work of British music ensembles as exemplars. It analyses performances by Aurora Orchestra, London Contemporary Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Manchester Collective, Multi-Story Orchestra, Paraorchestra, Scottish Ensemble, and Southbank Sinfonia. The book bridges musicology and theatre studies to analyse the theatrical orchestra on the concert stage and beyond, addressing such topics as visuality, storytelling, physical performance, site-engaged performance, and immersive performance.

By: Adrian Curtin
Imprint: Manchester University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm, Spine: 24mm
Weight: 724g
ISBN: 9781526177629
ISBN 10: 1526177625
Pages: 288
Publication Date: 01 May 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Adrian Curtin is Associate Professor in Drama at the University of Exeter.

Reviews for The Theatrical Orchestra: British Music Ensembles Experiment with Performance

'The theatrical orchestra is an excellent guide to an innovative, new body of work that has so far largely escaped scholarly attention: theatrical performances by classical orchestras. Adrian Curtin has deftly woven together interviews with key players, audience reactions, background research and his own critical responses to numerous performances by a variety of mostly British ensembles to craft a highly informed, profoundly perceptive and personal book. His clear and accessible writing style and his illuminating insights make this book a must-read for lovers and students of theatre, music and performance alike.' Björn Heile, Professor of Music (post-1900), University of Glasgow -- .