plucked string orchestra
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The Plucked String Orchestra was set up by Nick Chamberlain in 2004 with funding from the Standards Fund via the Birmingham Music Service. It provided an opportunity for students studying in Birmingham schools and colleges to perform a wide range of "World" folk music on various plucked string instruments.
There was always an emphasis on improvisation within in the group and all the members contributed to the arrangement of the music. This created an unusual and unique fusion of instrumental sounds and folk styles.
The instruments played included: kora. gu chen, charango, mandolin, mandola, various banjos, ukuleles and saz, guitar, acoustic classical bass, cuatro, requinto, pipa, tambura and strum stick.
Between 2004 and 2008 the group played many concerts and were invited to perform at the National Music For Youth Festival three times. In 2005 they received a Highly Commended Award for their debut performance at the festival. In 2006 they performed in 'Carnival', a showcase for unusual ensembles run in association with Trinity College.
Adjudicators at the festivals have described their music as “magical, enchanting and surreal."
There was always an emphasis on improvisation within in the group and all the members contributed to the arrangement of the music. This created an unusual and unique fusion of instrumental sounds and folk styles.
The instruments played included: kora. gu chen, charango, mandolin, mandola, various banjos, ukuleles and saz, guitar, acoustic classical bass, cuatro, requinto, pipa, tambura and strum stick.
Between 2004 and 2008 the group played many concerts and were invited to perform at the National Music For Youth Festival three times. In 2005 they received a Highly Commended Award for their debut performance at the festival. In 2006 they performed in 'Carnival', a showcase for unusual ensembles run in association with Trinity College.
Adjudicators at the festivals have described their music as “magical, enchanting and surreal."