Paraorchestra and The Breath present Symbiosis

Symbiosis is a dynamic collaboration between Paraorchestra and Ríoghnach Connolly and Stuart McCallum of folk duo The Breath.

Symbiosis had its London Premiere following its debut at BBC Proms Bristol in 2025. Better known as award-winning duo The Breath, Ríoghnach Connolly and Stuart McCallum’s sound is rooted in folk, but traverses much wider musical horizons. Bringing together professional disabled and non-disabled musicians, Paraorchestra creates powerful music experiences that radically change outdated ideas about orchestral music and of disability.

In Symbiosis, a rich tapestry of compositions for voice, guitar, flute, and shruti are supercharged and lifted by ‘responding composer’ Oliver Vibrans, who has orchestrated parts for an array of rare and unusual instrumentation for Paraorchestra.

Conducted by Charles Hazlewood, the 20-piece ensemble transforms and expands The Breath's songs into landscapes that are lush, unpredictable, and emotionally resonant.

This performance will be BSL interpreted by Becky Barry. It will not be captioned. Through a visual form of musicianship, Becky translates the feel of the music as much as the meaning, allowing both BSL and non-BSL d/Deaf audience members to experience the soundworld of the performance. Using movement, expression, and visual rhythm Becky conveys tempo, melody, emotion, and the textures of the instruments, as well as an interpretation of song lyrics.Becky is a multi-disciplinary theatre maker and BSL/English interpreter. She is also a passionate advocate for access provision, representation and liberation both on and off stage.

Performers

Ríoghnach Connolly voice/flute/shruti
Stuart McCallum guitars
Charles Hazlewood conductor
Oliver Vibrans responding composer