PLAYABLE STREETS PRESENTS

MUSICAL CHAIRS

By IO

Take your seat and start the symphony!

The ultimate "bum-based" orchestra. Invisible Orchestra presents a new way to play: Musical Chairs. Using custom electronic cushions and motion sensors, we’ve transformed the playground favorite into a sonic experiment. As participants fill the circle, layers of sound intertwine to create a unique live composition. It’s a hilarious, harmonious, and highly interactive experience for the young and the young at heart.

“A funny, playful, addictive experience that gives you a complete workout while creating unpredictable and unexpectedly beautiful music. It is, quite simply, genius.”
— Sue Giles AM
HI-RES GALLERY

Presentation options

  • Presented in almost any setting, Musical Chairs transform both indoor and outdoor spaces. Playable Streets Creative Facilitators engage and collaborate with the public, creating a wondrous environment.

  • We can collaborate with local musicians to create a unique participatory music performance event.

  • Get in touch to find out how we can install Musical Chairs in anywhere you can think of!

  • In this workshop, we explore Musical Chairs and discover how to compose live, collective music through movement and play.

Contact Us

PARTICIPATORY INSTALLATION

Take a seat and play! Join a circle of strangers and friends to compose a digital symphony using your body.

Musical Chairs is a suite of new experimental instruments that combine custom electronic cushions and bespoke motion sensors developed by Invisible Orchestra. For the first time, these "sit-to-play" instruments are available for the public to transform a classic childhood game into a live, collaborative composition.

Swelling with orchestral textures and synchronized rhythmic layers, Musical Chairs is unlike any instrument you have ever seen, heard, or sat on. The installation is open to everyone to interact with, explore, and discover the harmony in sitting together.

“Invisible Orchestra was a highlight of our Arts Centre Melbourne summer program this year. This fun, musical experiment provided families an opportunity to share in a unique, giant soundscape. Participants young and old can take charge of the conducting and create the most fascinating score. It oozes fun, learning, inclusivity and team work - as all participating decided how was best to shimmy their way across the orchestra.”
— Mary Harvey - Creative Producer, Families and Children, Arts Centre Melbourne

  • The performance is guided by two performers and a sound designer, over 3 × 1hr sessions. Between sessions It can also be presented as a rolling participatory installation.

    Participation numbers: Capacity of 60 people at one time, and approx. 700 over one day.

    Location: Musical Chairs participatory installation can be presented in almost any location inside or out. Talk to us about your ideas!

  • Touring team of 3, if extra creative facilitators are required we will train local artists to help present the work.

    First bump In time approx 8 hours - daily setup 1 hour. Bump Out time ½ day.

  • .:. Arts Centre Melbourne

    .:. Northcote Town Hall

MUSICAL CHAIRS WORKSHOP

  • Age range is usually 5 - 12 but we can tailor workshops for any age range. Approx. 30 participants per workshop.

  • The workshops are carried out in the Musical Chairs installation.

  • Up to 3 x 45 ~ 50 mins workshops a day.

In this hands-on workshop, participants are introduced to Musical Chairs — a high-tech installation that transforms everyday seating into a digital symphony by sensing movement and weight. Through playful exercises in rhythm, physical performance, and sound exploration, participants experiment with different ways of "playing" the chairs and work together to create original, synchronized compositions.

No musical experience is needed — Musical Chairs is an instrument no one has mastered yet! These workshops can be tailored for different age groups and invite curiosity, creativity, and collaboration in a fun, welcoming environment where the simple act of sitting down becomes a collective work of art.

CREATIVE TEAM

Developed by Andrew Callahan, Matt Kelly and Glen Walton produced by Playable Streets - Developed as part of Polyglot Theatre’s Generator Program - Set Design by Bridget Milesi Sound Design by Andrew Callahan - Performer Alumni: Tamara Rewse, Matt Kelly, Glen Walton, - Big thanks to Sue Giles and Mary Harvey for generous feedback and direction.