This Summer in Glasgow, we are staging BEAUTIFUL BONES, a massed outdoor street theatre and music spectacle to be performed as part of Surge Festival in August. 

Surge Festival is part of the cultural programme for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow.

We have an exciting opportunity for trombonists of all ages and experience.

Playing alongside internationally renowned trombonist, John Kenny with original music, from award winning composer, Stephen Deazley, BEAUTIFUL BONES is a large-scale street spectacle and musical pandemonium that reframes the rituals of death as a celebration of life. In BEAUTIFUL BONES a theme of general celebration, comedic irreverence and blissful acceptance challenges our own dour and often miserable rituals.  The performance and music draws inspiration from Mardi Gras, 1990’s rave culture and Mexico’s Day of the Dead.

Who can take part

BEAUTIFUL BONES is a flexible musical score written for wide levels of skill and experience and is suitable for amateur trombone players from Grade 4 to professional standard, for those over the age of 14. Sheet music will be available but is easy enough to be learned by ear. If you have a thirst for musical adventure, then this is for you. The performance will take place outdoors.

Lunch and travel expenses will be provided on performance days.

About the team

BEAUTIFUL BONES is directed by Alan Richardson from Surge, Scotland’s circus and street theatre development agency and designed by inspirational artist, maker and performer, Alex Rigg.   John Kenny is professor of trombone at the Guildhall School of Music and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and recipient of the International Trombone Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.  Stephen Deazley has led community music performances for BBC Proms in the Park and the Commonwealth Games, and his music has been performed at the Royal Albert Hall, London’s Southbank, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Dates & Location

All rehearsals and performances will take place in Glasgow.  You must be able to commit to all dates below:

Sat 17th June, 10am – 5pm

Workshop rehearsal

Thurs 10th August (times TBC)

Dress Rehearsal

Friday 11th & Saturday 12th August (times TBC)

Performances

To apply for a place please register your details HERE, no later than 31st May 2023.

For more information, please contact Ruth Siller ruth@surge.scot