UNLOCKED Programme in plain text

Nottingham Contemporary 

1 April 2025  
5.30pm Sensory Exploration 
7.00pm Performance 
Part of Soundstage Festival

UNLOCKED

Unlocked is an immersive live performance showcasing original music and epic visuals by the Able Orchestra (AO) Pioneers. Able Orchestra is an inclusive music and digital arts project for young people in Nottinghamshire produced by Inspire Youth Arts. The Pioneers are young leaders and artists who have collaborated with Producer Kirk Spencer, Artists and Mentors Kris Halpin and Nicci Halpin (Dyskinetic), and Digital Artist Bec Smith (Urban Projections) to develop tracks, artwork and visuals. The Pioneers will showcase original music from their new EP – New Worlds Key, accompanied by stunning visuals. Ensemble performances will follow and include Between Worlds with Dyskinetic and Spring Awakened, blending digital and traditional sounds with musicians from Orchestra of the Swan and Dyskinetic supported by Orchestras Live. 

Find out more about Able Orchestra at: inspireculture.org.uk/arts-culture/children-young-people/able-orchestra

Soundstage Festival

Soundstage Festival Journeys, celebrates music of film, TV and gaming. Featuring great orchestras, vibrant bands and acclaimed solo artists, this two-week adventure through the music of the moving image will fill Nottingham with unforgettable music. The festival takes place from Saturday 22 March to Saturday 5 April at locations across the city, presented by the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall in partnership with Lakeside Arts, the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Metronome, Nottingham Contemporary, Broadway, and the Ukrainian Cultural Centre. 

Find out more about Soundstage Festival at: trch.co.uk/soundstage

Inspire Youth Arts

Inspire Youth Arts (IYA) provides high quality inclusive arts opportunities for young people in Nottinghamshire. The IYA programme includes regular term time sessions, bespoke projects in holiday periods and unique opportunities in music, dance and digital art. IYA works with artists, partners and cultural organisations based in the county, across the Midlands and England. Delivered at The Old Library in Mansfield and in schools, colleges, and community venues across Nottinghamshire, IYA create ways for young people to participate, watch, create and perform; they support strong progression routes into the creative industries. 

Find out more about Inspire Youth Arts at: inspireculture.org.uk

AO Artist Biographies

DJ Dobra is an emerging artist and producer from Derby, blending multiple genres into his music. Born to Kosovan parents, his diverse background shapes his creative sound. He started producing music at age 14 using GarageBand and Soundtrap and performed at the Royal Albert Hall with Able Orchestra in 2016. A 2021 Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies graduate, he released his debut solo album in 2023 and has big plans for future projects. 

Bradley McKnight is a blind singer and musician who discovered his love for music at a young age. Starting his career at 9 years old with a makeshift home studio, Bradley’s journey has led him to perform internationally and release music on streaming platforms. He gained recognition through radio interviews, BBC Introducing, and press coverage. Bradley continues to grow his presence in the music scene and inspire others with his talent. 

Jess Fisher is a dynamic digital musician and performer who began with Able Orchestra and now creates unique sounds using the CMPSR instrument. Jess has performed on major UK stages, including the Royal Albert Hall, BBC Introducing, and Confetti College. With a passion for empowering disabled artists and women, Jess aims to inspire others and break creative boundaries, drawing influence from artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

CryoFlame is a passionate musician dedicated to creating impactful music. As a disabled artist, CryoFlame’s journey is fueled by a love for music and a desire to inspire others. Through their work, they aim to demonstrate the limitless possibilities of music and leave a meaningful legacy. 

Marshall Fairbrother is a blind multi-instrumentalist and producer who specializes in guitar and drums. Marshall has performed with Able Orchestra and in innovative projects like Immersion Performance (2022) and Music Mark Able (2024). With a unique blend of rock and acoustic influences, Marshall’s music reflects a dynamic sound. Now preparing for a solo release in 2024, Marshall pushes creative boundaries and explores new musical directions. 

Zoe Pritchard-Tye first joined AO at Fountaindale School performing using an iPad in concerts at Mansfield Palace Theatre and Nottingham Contemporary. An experienced theatre performer with Nottingham Youth Theatre, Unanima Theatre and Critics Circle, Zoe is thrilled to be an emerging music leader as an AO pioneer. Zoe creates distinctive sound using a CMPSR and is excited about her future musical journey and performance opportunities.

UNLOCKED 

Emerge • Zoe Pritchard-Tye 

New Worlds Key EP 

 New Worlds Key is the latest EP from Able Orchestra. Featuring four tracks highlighting the unique talents of the AO Pioneers. The performance features unique sounds and immersive visual projections developed with composer, Kirk Spencer, and digital artist, Urban Projections. 

Tracks include: 

• How They Were – Marshall Fairbrother 

 • Empty Promises – Jess Fisher 

• I Don’t Know – DJ Dobra 

• Thought Chaos – Cryoflame 

Additional music also featuring; 

• Bradley McKnight – All I Need 

Between Worlds 

Between Worlds is an original composition by the AO Pioneers, produced by Dyskinetic. The piece is accompanied by a short film which sees the exploration of each of the AO Pioneers personalities and musical tastes as they emerge into this new version of AO together. Between Worlds unifies traditional instruments with digital technology such as the Digit CMPSR, to create this incredible emotive piece. 

Spring Awakened 

Inspired by Orchestra of the Swan’s Earthcycle film, originally produced for the 300th anniversary of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Spring Awakened is an original composition by the AO Pioneers, Dyskinetic and Orchestra of the Swan. Beginning in the depths of Winter, using a combination of strings, guitar, piano and brass sounds performed on a combination of digital instruments such as the Digit CMPSR and traditional instruments, the work builds gradually and eventually emerges into Spring with the sound of beautiful folk vocals by Jackie Oates. Spring Awakened is an example of the power of co-creation and the combining of digital and traditional instrumentation.

Collaborators 

Dyskinetic 

Dyskinetic is a bold fusion of music, technology, and disability, led by husband-and-wife duo Kris and Nicci Halpin. Blending electronic, classical, and modern metal influences, they’ve earned acclaim for their groundbreaking sound and inclusive tech. As Disabled and Neurodivergent artists, Dyskinetic amplifies Disabled voices and partners with leading organisations to create new opportunities for Disabled musicians. In 2023, they joined IYA as Lead Artists and Mentors to Able Orchestra, debuting their first major work, Between Worlds, at Music Mark 2024. 

Find out more about Dyskinetic: dyskinetic.net

Orchestra of the Swan 

Under the Artistic Direction of David Le Page, Orchestra of the Swan strives to captivate audiences through a blend of experimentation with both classical and non-classical music, embracing our role as storytellers. Community organisations are at the heart of their operations, and they are passionate about audience inclusivity, as exemplified by their adventurous and accessible programming, and pioneering work. Orchestra of the Swan worked with the AO Pioneers and Dyskinetic through intensive workshops to develop and perform Spring Awakened. 

Find out more about Orchestra of the Swan: orchestraoftheswan.org

Orchestras Live 

Orchestras Live believes orchestras are for everyone. As a national producer, Orchestras Live co-produces projects where music and creativity thrive, ensuring communities across the country have access to world-class orchestral experiences. Their collaborations with professional orchestras, educators, venues, promoters and communities are at the heart of their work. Orchestras Live has active relationships with an ever-growing range of artistic, producer and funder partners. The organisation has worked with Able Orchestra since its inception to connect professional musicians and composers with its members in fully inclusive and exciting creative spaces.

Find out more about Orchestras Live: orchestraslive.org.uk

Urban Projections 

Urban Projections is the work and collaborations of artist Rebecca Smith. Experimenting with how we perceive ourselves through immersive technologies, her work seeks to surprise and engage audiences with its playful tone and interactivity. Challenging and pushing the boundaries of her discipline, Rebecca cultivates human connection and shared experiences within beautifully crafted, digital worlds. The AO artists have worked together with Urban Projections to develop stunning visuals for the Unlocked performance. 

 Find out more about Urban Projections: Urbanprojections.co.uk

Kirk Spencer 

 Nottingham-based Kirk Spencer is a music producer who has over 10 years’ experience working with artists and composers around the world. Blending together elements of dance music and eastern influences Kirk has produced, composed and released original music with his own strangerzoo label, and worked with labels such as Sony and Universal. 

Tom Shawcroft 

Tom is a music artist, consultant and practitioner with experience in songwriting, music production and sound design. Tom delivers music sessions to young people and has successfully developed an album using accessible midi instruments, such as the Digit CMPSR, and has since released 4 albums. Tom is passionate about access to high quality music for all. He is the Musical Director for AO North ensemble and has supported the development of Unlocked with the AO Pioneers and IYA Producers. 

 Lindley: Productions 

Lindley: Productions specialise in the development of exhibitions and events in the arts and cultural sector and are the technical partner for Unlocked. Find out more about Lindley: Productions: lindleyproductions.co.uk 

Performers

Able Orchestra Pioneers: 

• Jess Fisher (Performer and Digital Music Creator)

• Cryoflame (Music Producer and Performer) 

• DJ Dobra (Producer and Performer) 

• Marshall Fairbrother (Guitarist, Drummer and Producer) 

• Bradley McKnight (Singer and Musician) 

• Zoe Pritchard-Tye (Performer) Collaborating 

Artists and Mentors: 

• Kirk Spencer (Producer) 

• Kris Halpin (Dyskinetic) (Artist and Mentor) 

• Nicci Halpin (Dyskinetic) (Artist and Mentor) 

• Bec Smith (Urban Projections) (Digital Artist) 

• Tom Shawcroft (Artist and Producer) 

Orchestra of the Swan Performers: 

• Jackie Oates (Folk Vocalist/Violin) 

• David Le Page (Violin)

With Thanks to:

Neil Bennison (Theatre Royal Concert Hall) 

Sooree Pillay (Orchestras Live) 

Nottingham Contemporary 

Nottinghamshire Music Hub 

The Inspire Youth Arts Team

Share your feedback!

We hope you enjoyed the evening. We would appreciate your feedback. 

Please complete a short survey on the link below:

Audience survey - Able Orchestra OotS Earthcycle Soundstage April 2025