The Vivaldi Sleep project was initiated by Orchestra of the Swan during the first national lockdown of 2020.
Performer Biography
Bruce O'Neil, the conductor, is the Head of Music for the Royal Shakespeare Company and has been Music Director & Supervisor for over 50 RSC productions, including the global hit 'Matilda'.
Performer Biography
Orchestra of the Swan, a British chamber orchestra, is passionate about audience inclusivity and blurring genre lines through adventurous and accessible programming, presenting over 45 concerts a year.
Recording & Production
Guest artists recorded their solo parts at home and were given creative freedom to start before or continue after the orchestra's recording, and to manipulate the source material.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The second movement of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Autumn, is described by a sonnet (reputed to be by Vivaldi) as a season that invites pleasure in sweet sleep.
Cultural Impact
Orchestra of the Swan actively contributes to communities through 'immersive residencies' in various regions, with programs in care homes, schools, and rural areas.
Interpretation
Eleven artists from diverse genres like klezmer, folk, electronica, and jazz were invited to add solo parts in response to the Orchestra of the Swan's recording of Vivaldi's Autumn.
