Play: Music for Game Controllers
A creative collaboration exploring the possibilities of video game controllers in music composition and performance. Presented by The Cultural Programme and Jesus College Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub
Free entry.
The project began with a question: what happens when we transform these controllers into musical instruments? What kinds of new music will emerge? How can music provide a space to examine themes shared by video games and musical performance, including control, identity, dexterity and – of course – play? To answer this question, five new works for ensemble THE HOUSE OF BEDLAM have been commissioned from a variety of UK-based composers. These exciting and diverse works break new ground, requiring entirely new approaches to composition and performance.
The performance includes five new works and existing music to be interpreted by traditional instruments and video game controller instruments.
Sarah HENNIES – Growing Block (2019) for mixed ensemble (2019)
Hongshuo FAN 范弘硕 – new work for video game controllers (2024)
Cassie KINOSHI – new work for ensemble and video game controllers (2024)
Robert LAIDLOW – Speedrun for cello and video game controller (2024)
Bofan MA – new work for flute and video game controller (2024)
Ellen SARGEN – HIVE for saxophone and video game controller (2024)
90 minute event on request, including time for audience to try the controllers and software for themselves. Pre-concert talk available on request, led by composers involved in the programme. Please ask for more details.
In partnership with the Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub at Jesus College.
Supported by The Cultural Programme, PRiSM, the Centre for Practice & Research in Science & Music at the Royal Northern College of Music, funded by the Research England fund Expanding Excellence in England (E3).
This event is part of the Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub events programme's Gaming Season.
