CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS OF SURROUND SOUND PLAYLIST
Britten Sinfonia's Surround Sound Playlist concerts in March 2025 aimed to give both first-time classical concert-goers and people who love classical music uplifting and unforgettable experiences.
The concert format breaks the mould of the traditional concert: the surroundings are stunning, audience members are invited to sit or lie on mats and cushions if they want to, the music surrounds the audience with musicians and singers performing from different locations in the cathedrals, and the programme is an unbroken sequence of short works – a mix of music familiar from film and TV and pieces that make exciting new discoveries – with each seamless transition accompanied by a dramatic change of lighting state.
From 19 to 22 March 2025, Britten Sinfonia invited one of the world's best chamber choirs, Tenebrae, star soloists Amy Dickson (saxophone) and Joseph Tawadros (oud), and local choirs and brass bands to join a tour of three East Anglian cathedrals: Chelmsford, Ely and Peterborough.
A strikingly high proportion of audience members attended a classical concert for the first time
Over three days, more than 1,800 people experienced Surround Sound Playlist, with a remarkable 36% of bookers reporting that for at at least one member of their group, this was their first classical concert.
What audience members said about the concerts
“It was absolutely awesome, i was told that the light show was amazing, i didn't see it, i enjoyed the music with eyes closed. My first concert, not my last, i will follow you and hopefully see you at more concerts, thankyou for a wonderful experience.”
“Wasn’t sure what to expect as never been to a classical performance before but really enjoyed it very much. Loved the variety of music, it was so emotional to listen to, especially the choirs. Thank you to you all for a marvellous evening, it has made me want to hear more.”
“First ever classical concert, really enjoyed it. Would go again”
“I thoroughly enjoyed our experience - the overall atmosphere was one of deep tranquility and the performers were exceptional. It was the first experience of live classical music for both myself and my companion and we both had a wonderful time.”
“The concert was wonderful. Myself and my 14 year old son thoroughly enjoyed our first classical experience and it was superb to be able to lay down and enjoy the lights and music. Really fabulous, thank you.”
“A fantastic immersive experience as well as some world class performances. Such great programming which suited all the generations of our family who came. The teenagers loved not sitting in a tiered concert hall. The early 30's loved the movement and extra production value. Us oldies appreciated the great performances by some of the best international stars of the classical world.”
“It was a magical evening, full of surprises alongside familiar music. So many people believe that cathedrals are formal places and that classical music is elitist, this occasion proved that neither is true. To lie back, warm under a blanket, eyes closed and just be surrounded by beautiful performances was a truly special and memorable experience. More please!”
“A fantastic immersive experience as well as some world class performances. Such great programming which suited all the generations of our family who came. The teenagers loved not sitting in a tiered concert hall. The early 30's loved the movement and extra production value. Us oldies appreciated the great performances by some of the best international stars of the classical world.”
“I just couldn’t believe how good it was. It was like a gift from heaven.”
“yet another demonstration of what the Britten Sinfonia does so well — meeting audience head-on, focussing on action rather than discourse. Innovation doesn’t mean having to reinvent the wheel. This is about building trust with the very people you want to build a connection with, demonstrating the orchestra’s value to and for the community it serves.”
Credits
Performers:
Britten Sinfonia
Tenebrae choir with Nigel Short, conductor
Amy Dickson, saxophone
Joseph Tawadros, oud
And featuring:
Chelmsford Singers (Chelmsford)
Waltham Singers (Chelmsford)
Thundersley Brass Band (Chelmsford)
Ely Choral Society (Ely)
Soham Comrades Brass Band (Ely)
Peterborough Sings! (Peterborough)
Stamford Brass Band (Peterborough)
Lighting design by Luke Woods Technical Services
Video by Matt Jolly
Photos by Terry Harris
This project was funded by a Lottery grant from Arts Council England.
