Scottish Ensemble - In Sync
I cannot think of a more wholesome activity for a rainy Sunday afternoon than hearing exquisite music echo around St Mary’s Church in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market. This was my first MishMash concert, however, as a musician and educator, I have inconspicuously followed them from the start. I therefore knew this would be a classical concert with a difference, and to expect the unexpected.
Far flung from the stiff, sombre suits so often seen on classical musicians, the Scottish Ensemble looked unceremonious and comfortable. Clad in jeans and trainers, each with a colourful top, this kaleidoscope of instrumentalists were real people I could identify with. Between pieces, members of the group took turns to introduce themselves to the audience and each presented a special personal item in a nostalgic show-and-tell exercise which, according to the slightly nervous director, was completely un-scripted and unrehearsed.
Anyone who has ever attempted to learn an instrument will know there are a multitude of things to think about while playing, without the added challenge of choreography. The players moved energetically around the church, treating the audience to an immersive experience with stereo sound. Even the double bassist was unburdened by her giant instrument, wheeling it around effortlessly. At one point, the musicians followed the swell of the music, moving back and forth like the tide. At other times they floated, frolicked and flew around St Mary’s. Incredibly, the entirety of the programme was played by memory. Instead of being hunched over music stands, the players communicated with the listeners, making it feel much more immersive.
The very nature of the show was captivating for all ages, without the need for audience participation that makes you squirm in your seat, or a brash Strictly-style clap-along. The whole show felt classy whilst remaining child-friendly. From start to finish, the programme was colourful and varied. It was refreshing to see so many pieces written by living, often female, composers, including some original repertoire and arrangements by the musicians themselves. Unsurprisingly, there was a strong Scottish influence in the programming, though we were whisked much further away too, from Denmark to the USA. A solo violinist took us to contemporary India at one point, where harmonics resonated hauntingly around the church. In a moment of seriousness mid-concert, the audience was transported to the 1600s. Contrary to the whimsical title, Purcell’s The Fairy Queen was frightening. The on-stage dynamic changed and the group became divided, marching furiously in battle.
Individually, each member of the ensemble is evidently a top-class, highly trained classical musician. Together, there was an organic unity; a delicate balance that was, as the show promised, perfectly In Sync. In one piece, the ensemble showed musicality beyond their instruments, breaking into a mesmerising vocal piece where they hummed in perfect harmony. In a vibrant modern work, Strum, the instruments were tapped and indeed strummed in inventive percussive ways.
Before the final piece of music, the ensemble mingled with the crowd, giving out business cards so we could access more information about the company and the chosen repertoire. Not only could the particular tracks be revisited, but I found recommended music for further listening. The players came to life once again in the show clips and interview videos. Remaining relevant, there were TikTok links and guided listening activities to encourage creativity. Card in hand, a violinist came to personally show me his special object, tent pegs, and asked me to share mine. Here, we connected over our love for our dogs, creating a glorious sense of inclusion and community, which was to be continued over post-concert tea and cake.
The finale of the concert erupted into somewhat of a ceilidh, where music and movement came together one last time in a harmonious celebration. This collaboration truly is for anyone and everyone, from the classical connoisseur to the first-time concert-goer. I cannot wait to see what they come up with next!