RNS MOVES – ROYAL NORTHERN SINFONIA’S INCLUSIVE ENSEMBLE FEATURING PROFESSIONAL DISABLED MUSICIANS AND
NON-DISABLED MEMBERS OF RNS – MAKES ITS LONDON DEBUT AT KINGS PLACE, LONDON, ON 21 SEPTEMBER
RNS Movesis a unique musical ensemble made up of professional disabled musicians and non-disabled members of Royal Northern Sinfonia. The ensemble will make its much-anticipated London debut on 21 September at Kings Place, performing a programme that weaves renaissance choral music, contemporary minimalism and modern experimental works together.
RNS Moves is at the cutting edge of music-making, reshaping the world of classical performance through its inclusive approach and modern instrumentation. They create ground-breaking interpretations of classical favourites and brand-new sounds. The ensemble works hard to promote that it doesn’t matter if someone has a disability –music connects all of us, and people can create on all levels.
Clarence Adoo MBE co-founded the ensemble after a life-altering car accident left him paralysed from the neck down, meaning he could no longer hold his position as trumpeter in Royal Northern Sinfonia. Following the accident, German composer-come-inventor Rolf Gehlhaar was asked to create a bespoke instrument for Clarence so that he could continue to play music. The result was the Headspace – an innovative MIDI wind instrument controlled by breath and head movements. Alongside the Headspace, accessible instruments within the ensemble also include the LinnStrument – a touch based expressive MIDI controller – played by Charlotte Bott.
Improvisation and experimentation lie at the heart of the ensemble, and in true RNS Moves style, their performance at Kings Place will see them pair contemporary works by Caroline Shaw, Philip Glass, James MacMillan, Julius Eastman and Terry Riley with Tallis’ Renaissance anthem If Ye Love Me and Purcell’s Fantastia upon One Note.
Clarence Adoo said: “We are really excited to be bringing our RNS (Royal Northern Sinfonia) Moves ensemble to London for the first time. This eclectic group of instruments ranging from strings, piano, trumpet and electronics gives us a wide unique range of musical colours and styles, including composers throughout the different centuries. This marks a big milestone in our seven year history, and we hope to reach more people with RNS Moves in the years to come.”
Sam McShane, Artistic Director of Kings Place, said “RNS Moves represents a bold step forward in inclusive music-making. This fantastic ensemble brings us an exciting programme that spans centuries, including music by Tallis, Julius Eastman and Caroline Shaw, showcasing how innovation and accessibility can reshape the future of classical music.”
Sunday 21 September
Kings Place, Hall One
4pm
Glass Glassworks 1: Opening
Caroline Shaw Orangery/Beach Tree
Glass Echorus
Tallis If Ye Love Me
Julius Eastman Joy Boy
James MacMillan Memento
Purcell Fantasia upon One Note
Riley In C