Music for 18 Musicians
Bristol Beacon: Friday 7 August 2026
Southbank Centre: Sunday 27 September 2026

About Music for 18 Musicians
Experience Steve Reich’s minimalist masterpiece performed by Paraorchestra in their 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 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.
Dates and times
- 07Aug
- Venue
- BBC Proms, Bristol Beacon
- Description
- 27Sept
- Venue
- Southbank Centre, London
- Description
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