About Music for 18 Musicians
Experience Steve Reich’s minimalist masterpiece performed by Paraorchestra in our trademark immersive style.
Music for 18 Musicians was a revelation for orchestral music when it premiered fifty years ago: its thrumming, transcendental soundscape made Steve Reich a household name and propelled minimalism into the mainstream consciousness. Its influence has reverberated through generations and a myriad of different genres, inspiring artists from David Bowie to Aphex Twin to Björk.
Presented in our trademark immersive style, this will be the first time the piece has been performed in such a way with the orchestra transformed into a living sonic installation.
With no barrier between audience and performer, you are invited to experience this iconic piece free from rules, expectation or pretence. Explore its sublime shifting phases as you move amongst pulsing marimbas, pianos, and vocals, or simply remain still and allow yourself to be enveloped.
Credits
Creative team

Charles Hazlewood
Director
Faye Stoeser
Director
BBC Proms, Bristol Beacon
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet
Lloyd Coleman
Matthew Scott
Percussion
Beth Higham-Edwards
Catherine Ring
Elsa Bradley
Toril Azzalini-Machecler
Elaine So
Meadow Brooks
Simon Whittaker
Piano
Jason Hazeley
Georgie Ward
Bel Comeau
Nathan Williamson
Soprano
Sarah Dacey
Jacqueline Barron
Elizabeth Drury
Alto
Rylan Gleave
Violin
Tzu-Fan Tang
Siobhan Clough
Cello
Josh Mountford
Hattie McCall Davies
Other
Annie Edwards
Rory Clarke
Roshaan Asare
Antonio Sangirardi
Phoebe Dowglass
Dates and times
- 07Aug
- Venue
- BBC Proms, Bristol Beacon
- Description
- 27Sept
- Venue
- Southbank Centre, London
- Description
- 03Oct
- Venue
- Sonica Glasgow 2026, Glasgow
- Description
- 27Nov
- Venue
- Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester
- Description
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