At this event, we’re delighted to present a session on accessible musical instrument development led by Dav Shiel showcasing the OrchLab touch instruments, and a live performance by The Steve Varden Experience and Under the Stars.

OrchLab is a long-term partnership project between Drake Music and London Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s an inclusive music programme that aims to make classical music more accessible for disabled people. A core feature of the project is an accessible musical instrument development programme, which involves adapting existing classical instruments, and building new ones, in collaboration with disabled musicians.

In this session, Dav from Drake Music will introduce the OrchLab touch instruments, and you’ll get the chance to try them out for yourself. We’ll also show a new film about the OrchLab instruments.

The Steve Varden Experience is a live performance DJ musical cocktail mixer of iPads, Kaossilators, synths and oddball midi-controllers that will defy you to sit still and snooze! Expect experimental electronic discoveries, hypnotic and pumping dance beats, rhythmic loops and unworldly familiar random sounds from the depths of the after dark synthesiser.

Under the Stars (Facebook)is an arts and events organisation for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism based in Sheffield. For their Crux debut, artists Billy and Ryan will be performing live visuals during Steve Varden’s set as part of the DM-Labs sessions. Their style is colourful and abstract, a texture mashup of original material, combining film and digital mediums with multi-layered effects.

They’ll be utilising a bespoke accessible VJ system co-developed during their weekly workshops which they use to provide visuals at their own nightclub and gigs. Developer Jono and workshop leader Moony will also be around to talk about accessible technology in practice for those who are interested!