The RNCM has joined forces with Manchester School of Art (MSoA) to present Mise en Scène; a unique theatrical experience combining music and art.
Taking place at the RNCM Concert Hall on Thursday 2 July, Mise en Scène sees students from MSoA transform the space into a multi-sensory venue through art installations, projections, atmospheric effects, images, light and aroma. The imaginative project is set to the music of Berlioz’s Les Nuits d’été, Poulenc’s Sinfonietta and Vaughan Williams’ Songs of Travel, performed by the RNCM Chamber Orchestra and conducted by Clark Rundell.
RNCM Head of Opera, Stefan Janski, who has directed the project, said: ‘The RNCM is delighted to be working once again with MMU following our production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company last year. For this project, MSoA students have proven to be truly inspirational; their response to the music and text of Berlioz, Poulenc and Vaughan Williams is overwhelmingly creative.’
The event forms the second and concluding part of an exciting venture between the two institutions, which began in May when Interior Design and Creative Multimedia students worked alongside RNCM students to stage installations on city centre Trams (in collaboration with Transport for Greater Manchester) and at an exhibition at Federation House as part of the Manchester After Hours Festival.
Fabrizio Cocchiarella, Senior Lecturer at MSoA, added: ‘Mise en Scène aims to immerse the audience in a feast of sensory stimulation.
‘From those initial performances last month, MSoA students have re-interpreted their concepts to suit the RNCM Concert Hall. They have employed embedded technologies that will map the movements of performers, monitor the pulse and actions of the conductor, and track the tonal qualities of the orchestra and singers, creating narrative-driven generative and illustrative visuals.
‘Narratives composed by MSoA students will frame the beautiful lyrics and music of the three pieces performed by RNCM students. The voice becomes a transitory medium to lead the audience on an immersive experiential journey through the emotions of love, life and death, travelling from the depths of the sea to the limits of outer space.’
Mise en Scène took place at the RNCM on Thursday 2 July at 7.30pm.
