People power takes over inventive Birmingham concert that’s the ‘most interactive yet’
The People’s Orchestra (TPO) and Show Choirs (TPSC) have launched a concert like no other – putting the audience in complete “creative control” of the music. TPO’s Orchestra Manager explains how it came about and what TPO hopes it will achieve.
Singers and musicians will combine to perform one-off Jukebox Live at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on Saturday July 18 from 6.30pm until 9pm.
Unlike the national charity’s usual concerts, there is no pre-planned set list by TPO as this one is leaving the running order in the public’s hands and somewhat of a mystery to those performing until closer to the event.
In a break from tradition and adding an extra spark of excitement, the audience gets to choose the entire soundtrack by casting a vote when they buy a ticket.
It’s an innovative way for TPO to engage with its audience and attract newcomers to hear their performances.
There’s a wide back catalogue of music for guests to choose from. They range from 1980s pop hits, movie and theatre soundtracks to Disney song favourites and world-famous songs from Elton John and Adele, all in the running for the final setlist.
Along with 554 musicians in the ensembles, every single branch of The People’s Show Choir (TPSC) will be represented at the special gig. Popularity for the choirs means there are now 21 groups nationwide including a new TPSC for Dudley and Netherton that started this year.
The Orchestra Manager at The People’s Orchestra, said: “We decided to do something completely different for our big summer concert in the West Midlands and it’s going to be very special.”
“It could also be chaos as it’s the first time we’ve done it,” they added with a laugh.
“We have the orchestra and every choir from The People’s Show Choir family coming together to perform exactly what the audience has asked for. That could be the Ghostbusters theme tune or a hit by Adele, we won’t know until just before the gig.
“Everyone buying a ticket gets to vote up to three weeks before the concert. What gets played and in what order will be purely down to them. This really is all about putting power in the hands of the people.”
TPO’s manager came up with the idea to appeal to music lovers who traditionally think of orchestral concerts as “stuffy”.
“Orchestra isn’t something that always pulls in everyone, as often the music can put people off,” they explained.
“A Jukebox, like this one, is about audience choice, but within reason!
“It’s a different way of presenting music, hopefully increasing our engagement through this new function, but also not shying away from performing some brilliant classic film music.
“I also think this is a great way to see what people want to hear and engage the audience in a very different way. It is not often concerts give the creative control to an audience in such volume.
“The Jukebox offers a wide variety of music and is throwing the traditional rules of concerts out of the window. We really hope people enjoy the experience.”
Read more: The scale of The People’s Orchestra is bigger than you think
Money raised will go towards The People’s Orchestra Charity, which supports the most in need in local communities.
Their far-reaching schemes from the Black Country to Wales and Scotland help people get back into work or equip them with skills to be more employable; assist people in getting benefits they may be missing out on; and can reduce social isolation and loneliness through many community music groups.
Tickets are now on sale for the Birmingham Symphony Hall gig in Broad Street through B:Music website here and cost between £19.50 and £30. Under 16s are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Everyone buying a ticket will be able to access an audience form, enabling them to vote on what they would like to hear.
Now TPO and TPSC members have to sit back and wait to see what the audience will decide for the unusual celebration of music in Birmingham. Look out for more on this in the summer when we’ll let you know what the final playlist was after the event.
