Learning & Participation

Ensemble 360 is committed to reaching as many different people as possible, to allow audiences to experience classical music in a way that is accessible to them.

Performances are presented in new and exciting ways to engage the audience and enrich their experience of classical music. All the ensemble’s musicians and collaborators actively work in music learning and education, and the group delights in bringing exciting musical opportunities to people of all ages, and especially children.

Children’s and family concerts

Ensemble 360 tours children’s concerts to sell-out audiences nationally. Developed as part of their residency with Music in the Round, the concerts are ideal for primary school children. They present musical adaptations of popular children’s stories, narrated by animateur Polly Ives, and their collaboration has been widely acclaimed across the UK. This season the ensemble will tour alongside Polly Ives and Esther Sheridan the best-selling children’s story Giddy Goat by Jamie Rix and Lynne Chapman set to music by Paul Rissmann.

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Children’s concerts include:
  • Dirty Beasts by Martin Butler, based on the poem by Roald Dahl
  • Giddy Goat Paul Rix (words), Paul Rissmann (music)
  • Giraffes Can’t Dance based on the book by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees, Paul Rissmann (music)
  • Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants Giles Andraea (words), Paul Rissmann (music)
  • Snap! Snap! Colin and Jacqui Hawkins (words), Richard Chew (music)
  • Stan and Mabel written by Paul Rissmann and Polly Ives
  • The Chimpanzees of Happytown Giles Andraea (words), Paul Rissmann (music)

The ‘wow’ factor was immense

Sheffield Telegraph

Beyond the Music

An Ensemble 360 concert reaches beyond traditional chamber music to give audiences a “360-degree” experience.
Classical concerts are often presented alongside pre-concert and post-concert talks, conversations with the audience and performances for children. The musicians introduce pieces from the stage with a friendly informality that speaks directly to their audience. Dazzling playing is enriched by their fizzing chemistry on stage and rapport with the audience.

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Work with schools and universities

Ensemble 360 engages with young people from nursery age through to University:
  • Workshops for children aged 2—7 across South Yorkshire
  • Workshops for junior and special needs schools across the UK, introducing instruments and talking about the different elements in music;
  • Performance of children’s compositions in schools;
  • Concerts, performance masterclasses and coaching sessions.

A big success, capturing the imagination of young and old alike.

Participant
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Out and About in the Community

As Ensemble in Residence at Music in the Round, Ensemble 360 has led Bring & Play events, given masterclasses for talented young instrumentalists and University students, and run string weekends exploring Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro and Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. The group has directed a chamber music week with Aldeburgh Young Musicians, discovering, rehearsing and performing French music.

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