PLAY: Music for Game Controllers with the House of Bedlam

PLAY is a creative collaboration exploring the possibilities of video game controllers in music composition and performance.

The project began with a question: what happens when we transform these controllers into musical instruments? What kinds of new music will emerge? How can music provide a space to examine themes shared by video games and musical performance, including control, identity, dexterity and – of course – play? To answer this question, five new works for ensemble The THE HOUSE OF BEDLAM have been commissioned from a variety of UK-based composers. These exciting and diverse works break new ground, requiring entirely new approaches to composition and performance.

The one hour performance includes these five new works and existing music to be interpreted by traditional instruments and video game controller instruments. Composers and performers will share more about their creative processes, and there will also be a chance for audience members to try out the video game controller instruments themselves.

In partnership with the Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub at Jesus College.

Supported by PRiSM, the Centre for Practice & Research in Science & Music at the Royal Northern College of Music, funded by the Research England fund Expanding Excellence in England (E3).

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Jesus College Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub, Market Street, Oxford, United Kingdom