Join London Sinfonietta’s ‘speaking chorus’ for The Gender Agenda

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Want to take part in a London Sinfonietta world premiere? Join London Sinfonietta’s ‘speaking chorus’ for The Gender Agenda by RPS-award winning composer, Philip Venables

London Sinfonietta are recruiting volunteers to be part of this new music / game show experience exploring gender issues, which premieres on Thursday 12 April at Southbank’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. The Gender Agenda will follow the format of a gameshow, complete with host, challenges and commercials. A team of volunteers is needed to help realise this ambitious and innovative new concert work.

About Philip Venables

Philip Venables is a renowned British composer whose music is often concerned with politics, gender, and social issues. He often uses spoken text in his concert music and opera. His work has been described as “brutally effective” (Times), “exhilarating” (Seen & Heard) and  “duly playful and occasionally disturbing” (Guardian).

Check out Philip’s piece ‘Illusions’, featuring David Hoyle – a previous London Sinfonietta commission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4hJQimj45U

Here’s how you can get involved:

Join a ‘speaking chorus’ Sprechchor

You can be part of a ‘speaking chorus’ (sprechchor) for the piece. The sprechchor will play a vital role musically – the parts are rhythmic and integral to The Gender Agenda’s sound-world. Musical training is not required and parts will be learned by ear. The Sprechchor will perform on stage throughout the piece. There will also be opportunities to provide Voice Over parts, which will usually be pre-recorded in advance of the performance.

Be an Assistant

London Sinfonietta are also looking for assistants and camera operators. The assistants play a dramatic role in the piece and help to facilitate the show; assistants welcome the audience and look out for people who are keen to participate including people who identify as ‘butch’! The role will include managing the participants on stage, keeping them on track during the game and watching out for their safety.

Rehearsal info

  • Saturday 7 April – 11.00-13.30 – Price Studios, SW11 3RD
  • Tuesday 10 April – 18.30-21.30 – Saw See Hock Centre, WC2A 2AP
  • Wednesday 11 April – 18.30-21.00 – Saw See Hock Centre, WC2A 2AP
  • Thursday 12 April – 15.00-18.00 – general rehearsal and 20.15 – performance – Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX

This is a fantastic opportunity to perform alongside the London Sinfonietta’s world-class musicians and be a central part of an original piece of music theatre. If interested please get in touch with Sean Watson, Participation & Learning Officer at London Sinfonietta on 020 7239 9340 or email Sean.Watson@londonsinfonietta.org.uk or you can turn up at the first rehearsal on Saturday 7 April 2018.

For more information visit: www.londonsinfonietta.org.uk/opportunities/get-involved