Music in the Round meets AO North!

On Wednesday 4 March, a professional string quartet from Music in the Round met with Able Orchestra (AO) North Ensemble at Portland College, for an exciting evening of performance and collaboration!  

Facilitated by Duncan Chapman, the groups were invited to perform for each other to showcase their instruments and skills. Music in the Round players were treated to a performance of AO North’s original track, Summer, which they quickly collaborated on string instruments, adding another layer of richness and emotional depth to the already charming piece.  

Music in the Round players shared an array of pieces by classical composers including Haydn, Montgomery and Shostakovich, and invited solo AO players to improvise alongside them. Soloists included Reuban on keys, Athena on CMPSR and Marshall on electric guitar, who transformed a piece in a major key into a minor, rock version!  

All present were invited to sing, play and listen, a shared enthusiasm and appreciation for music across genres and instruments was clear between all present. AO are committed to creating unique opportunities such as this one for participants to not only hear and experience live, professional work, but to also collaborate and perform alongside. 

Thank you to Music in the Round for this wonderful opportunity and to everyone from Able Orchestra North and wider groups who attended. Thank you also to Orchestras Live, Portland College and Arts Council England for supporting the project.