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.
Price: £25.00
Pages: 288
Publisher: Manchester University Press
Imprint: Manchester University Press
Publication Date:
19 January 2027
ISBN: 9781807072551
Format: Paperback
BISACs:
MUSIC / Genres & Styles / Classical, Art music, orchestral and formal music, PERFORMING ARTS / Theater / General, PERFORMING ARTS / Theater / Direction & Production, Theatre direction and production, Performing arts, Theatre studies
'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
Adrian Curtin is Associate Professor in Drama at the University of Exeter
Introduction: Setting the scene
1 Staging concerts: The orchestra as a sight to behold (or not)
2 The orchestra as storyteller
3 The orchestra moves, the orchestra dances
4 Relocating the orchestra and playing the space
5 Immersive performance: The audience among the orchestra
Conclusion: Behind the scenes
References
Index
