PLAY: Music for Game Controllers with the House of Bedlam

30 May 2024

30 May 2024 - Thursday

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

In-person

This event is part of the Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub events programme’s Gaming Season.

PLAY is a creative collaboration exploring the possibilities of video game controllers in music composition and performance.

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 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 one hour performance includes these five new works and existing music to be interpreted by traditional instruments and video game controller instruments. Composers and performers will share more about their creative processes, and there will also be a chance for audience members to try out the video game controller instruments themselves.

BOOK TICKETS

In partnership with the Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub at Jesus College.

Supported by 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).

THE VENUE

Entrance to this event is via the Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub entrance on Market Street, Oxford (opposite Wagamama). Lift access available to all floors. If you have any questions about accessibility or other support requirements for this event, please contact digitalhub@jesus.ox.ac.uk.

*Filming and photography will be taking place during the event. If you do not wish to be photographed, please notify a member of the Hub team on arrival.