The ABLE Orchestra
The ABLE Orchestra is a pioneer of inclusive ensembles in the UK and a key partner in Uprising!
From its origins as an “iPad orchestra” for profoundly disabled students in North Nottinghamshire, Able Orchestra has expanded to bring together diverse young musicians and emerging music leaders with world-class professional artists from a range of music and digital genres.
The vision of Able Orchestra is to create a totally inclusive ensemble of disabled and non-disabled musicians. It is an evolving project based on the principle of enabling people to create and perform music on equal terms, regardless of their physical dexterity or musical experience.
What's happened so far
Young musicians using technology join young acoustic instrumentalists, professional sound and digital artists, and orchestral players to create new work in a ground-breaking ensemble that has become a beacon for artistic inclusion that celebrates the creativity of diverse people.
Co-produced with Inspire Youth Arts, projects have included appearances at the Hockley Hustle and Soundstage festivals and cross-genre collaborations with Big Fish Little Fish, Next Door Dance and champion beat boxer THePETEBOX. In 2016, Able Orchestra was invited to perform at the BBC Ten Pieces Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
Read more
More information about the ABLE Orchestra is available on the Live Orchestras website.
Download the presentation that Andy Dawson from ABLE Orchestra gave to the Uprising launch event.