What is the Loudspeaker Orchestra?

The Loudspeaker Orchestra shares immersive listening experiences in diverse venues, via curated concerts of sound arts and contemporary music.

We work with local partners to create site-sensitive events that bring space and place alive through sound.

Our mission is to create transformative encounters with spatial sound, extending beyond traditional concert presentation, in ways that challenge conventional boundaries between performer and audience, between music and environment, and between sound and space itself. The Loudspeaker Orchestra transforms any venue into a three-dimensional musical instrument, where walls, acoustics, and architecture become integral parts of the performance. By presenting concerts in diverse venues - from traditional concert halls to galleries, churches, and outdoor spaces, and more;  we make advanced spatial audio technologies accessible to wider audiences.

Each venue offers unique acoustic properties that inform curatorial decisions and influence how works are presented and which spatial audio and immersive sound playback systems are used, ensuring that no two Loudspeaker Orchestra experiences are identical.

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What to expect at our concerts

Arriving at the venue

When you arrive for a Loudspeaker Orchestra concert, you'll notice the performance space may look quite different to a traditional concert hall. Instead of a stage with performers facing the audience, you'll see speakers positioned around the room, at vary heights from the floor to the ceiling. Some loudspeakers may be close to you, and others far away.The seating arrangement may follow a traditional concert hall set up (facing forwards) or may be arranged in alternative way. This is dependent on the venue and artwork presented. You may even be invited to walk around and explore the space during the performance.

Before the music begins

Typically a presenter will introduce the concert, and what you will be listening to. You can also read the programme booklet for further information. The artist / performer will also usually provide a brief introduction about the pieces you'll hear and what to expect. This might include information about how the sounds will move through the space.

During the performance

You will hear music that will move and travel around you, above, below, in front, behind. You may feel that you are within the music, fully immersed by the sounds and sonic vibrations of the material. Some people find it helpful to close their eyes, to heighten the sonic experience.

Between pieces

There are often pauses between works. You are more than welcome to clap. This provides the performer/s time to get ready for the next performance also in the repertoire. Silence is completely normal and part of the experience, and may also be a chance for you to rest / clean your ears!

Performance duration

Concerts typically last 90-120 minutes, often presented as two sets or approximately 40-45 minutes each half, with an interval in the middle for approximately 20 minutes (with refreshments usually provided).

A few rules

  1. No recording - Please do not record performances with personal devices to respect artists / performers. If you require a copy of a recording, please get in touch with us.
  2. Turn off your mobile phones -  Please ensure phones are completely silent (not just vibrate).
  3. Flash photography - Please do not use flash photography during performances, as it can be extremely disruptive to both the artist/s and other audience members.

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