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 concerts – ideal for primary school children
Ensemble 360 tours children’s concerts to sell-out audiences nationally, presenting musical adaptations of popular children’s stories. Since their inception in 2005, as part of their residency with Music in the Round, they have created a unique product and renowned reputation across the UK working alongside narrator Polly Ives. Paul Rissmann has written 9 storybook pieces for them, winning a BASCA and David Bedford education award. They’ve performed Dirty Beasts live on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune.
Ensemble 360 and Polly Ives are delighted to offer the following:
Izzy Gizmo Pip Jones (words), Sara Ogilvie (illustrations) Vic Craven (digital animation), Paul Rissmann (music)
Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants Paul Rissmann (music)
Sir Scallywag and The Battle Of Stinky Bottom Paul Rissmann (music)
Further possibilities from Ensemble 360 in partnership with animateur Polly Ives include:
Giddy Goat Paul Rix (words), Lynne Chapman (illustrations). Paul Rissmann (music)
Giraffes Can’t Dance Giles Andreae (words), Guy Parker-Rees (illustrations), Paul Rissmann (music)
The Lion Who Wanted To Love Giles Andreae (words), David Wojtowycz (illustrations), Paul Rissmann (music)
Crazy Creatures Jonathan Long (words), (illustrations), Paul Rissmann (music)
Stan and Mabel Jason Chapman (words and illustrations), Paul Rissmann (music)
Stan and Mabel and the Race for Space Jason Chapman (words and illustrations), Paul Rissmann (music)
Dirty Beasts Martin Butler (music), based on three verses by Roald Dahl
Cinderella Rory Boyle (music), based on Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhyme of the same name
The Three Little Pigs Paul Patterson (music), based on Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhyme of the same name
Peter and the Wolf Prokofiev (music)
Snap! Snap! Colin and Jacqui Hawkins (words and illustrations), Richard Chew (music)
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.
Work with schools, universities and the wider community
Ensemble 360 engages with young people from nursery age through to University, including:
- Residencies at the Universities of Sheffield, York, Nottingham and
Huddersfield - Residency at Chetham’s School of Music
- Chamber Music Residency Coaching Aldeburgh Young Musicians
- Powerplus Pre-GSCE student composition project
- 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 masterclasses and coaching sessions
- String Ensemble Workshops, Woodwind and Brass Ensemble Workshops
- Orchestral section coaching