MORE than 200 musicians from across Reading will take to the stage at The Hexagon this weekend for a concert that brings together local and national institutions alike.
The University of Reading and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, alongside local community performers, are bringing the Reading Sound Foundry to the town’s historic venue as part of the university’s Centenary programme.
N new orchestral work by composer Raph Clarkson, created in close collaboration with community musicians from the town, has culminated in the premiere of Reading Illuminations.
The project has brought amateur and professional musicians together over recent weeks, including an intensive workshop at the university where participants helped shape the final piece.
During that session, composer John Webb created an entirely new section of music in real time with the ensemble, which has been woven into the finished composition, making this performance genuinely one‑of‑a‑kind.
Reading Illuminations reflects both Reading’s musical heritage and its creative present.
Inspired in part by Gustav Holst, the famous composer of The Planets who taught at the University in the 1920s, the work combines full orchestra and chorus with community musicians playing instruments drawn from a wide range of musical traditions, from steel tongue drum and koto to bouzouki and djembe.
The concert will also see performances from the University Choir, Big Band, Gospel Choir and world music ensemble Limpopo Groove.
Dan Miller, Head of Music at the University of Reading, said: “This project has brought together people from across the town to create something that could only exist here, at this moment. It honours the University’s musical heritage while looking firmly forward.”
Ritesh Nigam, one of the community musicians taking part, said: “Being part of a piece created and performed by this many people from Reading has been an extraordinary experience.”
Reading Sound Foundry takes place from 4.30pm on Saturday, May 9.
Full details and tickets available via: whatsonreading.com/hexagon
