100 Days Until the Olympics - Countdown Celebration Event
Two hundred members of the public will get the chance to be part of a classical music world premiere and get fit at the same time as the musicians of Sheffield-based Ensemble 360 move into the English Institute of Sport – Sheffield (EIS Sheffield) to mark the 100-day countdown to the Olympic Games.
Believed to be a unique participation event, the premiere on Wednesday 18 April is of Bolt from the Blue commissioned from the American composer Stephen Montague. It has been written as the perfect accompaniment to an active lifestyle – some sports scientists believe that classical music provides a better accompaniment for training than the pop-derived playlists favoured by many athletes.
Sheffield-based choreographer Anna Olejnicki, from Hype Dance, will guide participants through the steps of the routine, which will be suitable for all ages and abilities, and then lead the performance to the live music at EIS Sheffield. Those of a more sedentary disposition will be able to attend the work’s concert premiere the following day, Thursday 19 April, in the Sheffield City Hall Ballroom.
Stephen Montague has written many major commissions including works for the Royal Festival Hall, Cheltenham Festival and the BBC Proms. In addition to writing for traditional orchestral forces Montague has also written numerous more ‘experimental’ works such as his Horn Concerto for klaxon horn soloist and an orchestra of automobiles, and a concerto for eight motorcycles, brass and percussion. Stephen will be at EIS Sheffield on the day to hear his piece and to take part in the fitness event.
Angus Smith, Artistic Director of Music in the Round, said: “We are very excited about making our own contribution to the Olympic year with a new piece linking sport and music. We have an exceptionally strong team for this event – musicians, composer, choreographer and hosting venue – and with this winning combination we are very confident that Bolt from the Blue will really set the adrenalin pumping.”
Lorenzo Clark, director of operations for Sheffield International Venues (SIV), which operates Sheffield City Hall and EIS Sheffield, said: “The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the biggest and most high profile celebration of sport and culture this country has ever seen. Unique events such as this Music in the Round premiere are a fantastic way of utilising SIV’s world-class venues to ensure the games leave a legacy for sport and participation which will benefit future generations in Sheffield for years to come.”
To book your place at the EIS Sheffield fitness event or for more information contact Music in the Round on 0114 281 4660 or info@musicintheround.co.uk
