THE Ulster Orchestra is staging a residency at Belfast's Waterfront Hall from mid-August, recording and streaming music performed by musicians sitting three metres apart using screens, masks and other Covid-19-related health and safety measures – including the use of iPads instead printed sheet music.
"We are determined to find a safe way to share amazing music with the people of Northern Ireland," explains managing director Richard Wigley.
"This means that our musicians are recorded whilst spread across the expanse of the stage and stalls area of the Waterfront Hall. It is a unique challenge for all musicians around the world to manage the social distancing requirements whilst remaining a tight ensemble; a worthy challenge for our superb orchestra. And with chief conductor Daniele Rustioni back in residence, everything becomes possible."
Joining Daniele is principal guest conductor Jac van Steen; the pair have flown over especially to record pieces which will be available online.
"I am thrilled to breathe live music with the Ulster Orchestra again after such a long period of reclusion due to the global health crisis," says Daniele Rustioni.
"I want to congratulate all the musicians and staff who, against all odds, produced around over a hundred music videos and contributions for online, keeping the sound and soul of the orchestra and contact with our audience alive.
"Now it is time to come back together and continue our journey with renewed hope and goals, aiming to embrace our public again in the future and to perform new exciting repertoire."
:: Ulsterorchestra.com
