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Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's Relaxed Performance

Karen Ní Bhroin, Conductor
Tim Steiner, Presenter
Angie Newman, BSL Interpreter

Musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Join musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a playful, interactive introduction to orchestral music!

Featuring 25 musicians performing a range of music in ways you’ve never imagined, this event is specially designed for people who may find traditional concerts challenging to attend, including adults and children with learning disabilities, movement disorders, sensory impairments, autistic spectrum disorder, dementia and other neurological conditions, or those with young children or babies. Including interactive elements, close-up experiences of the musicians, BSL interpretation, Makaton singalong, and gentle sensory elements, this performance is relaxed, so attendees are welcome to enjoy the concert without worry.

There will be opportunities to sing, dance, move about or just listen as preferred, and ‘chill out’ spaces will be available for anyone needing some quiet time before re-entering the auditorium. At the end of the concert, optional post-concert activities will invite you to try your hand at a range of musical activities, led by the RPO musicians themselves.

 Presented by the RPO and Reading Borough Council, with additional support provided by Arts Council England, The Earley Charity, Goodwin Plc, The Marchus Trust and other generous donors.

Timeline for the day

  • 2.15pm – 2.30pm: Sensory Introduction for audiences with sensory impairments (fully booked)
  • 2.30pm – 3.00pm: Auditorium doors open, audience take seats
  • 3.00pm – c.3.50pm: Performance in Auditorium. Audiences are welcome to leave and return as required during the performance.
  • 3.50pm – 4.20pm: Optional post-concert activities in smaller audience groups

Pre-concert Sensory Tour - 2.15pm (FULLY BOOKED)

Audiences with hearing or vision impairments are invited to join members of the Orchestra for a short (c15min) sensory introduction to the musicians and instruments before the show.

The Sensory Tour is now fully booked.