What is Elektrostatic all about?

A series of contemporary-classical concerts that have been going on for 4 years, at its heart, Elektrostatic is about encouraging people to rediscover the exciting possibilities of contemporary music. As part of Elektrostatic and in conjunction with Mayfest, composer and larger-than-life performer, Peter Swaffer-Reynolds (No Fit State Circus), co-curates an evening of unique music and performance influenced by circus and theatre, Musical Circus.

Elektrostatic’s curator Richard Barnard explains why he is excited about this show; “I can’t wait to work with one of the most talented and distinctive musicians in Bristol – Peter Swaffer-Reynolds. His unique experience of creating scintillating, imaginative music for circus and theatre guarantees a feast of visual and musical invention.”

To listen to the full interview with Richard Barnard, follow the link here.

Here's also an interview with Peter Swaffer-Reynolds as he discusses his creative approach to being the musical director one of No Fit State Circus' previous shows, Mundo Paralelo:

Tom Morris’ Top Mayfest Picks

Tom Morris is a director, producer and the Artist Director of the Bristol Old Vic, Mayfest’s busiest venue with a wealth of shows in the Studio and Basement this year as well as the host of the Mayfest Opening Party.

Which 3 shows are you most looking forward to at this year’s Mayfest?
It’s very hard to make picks from a programme which is so beautifully balanced and which is characterised by a spirit of curiosity and exploration. Some of my all time favourite artists and companies are present in the programme – Faulty Optic, Guy Dartnell and Will Adamsdale to name but three. I know that their work will be astonishing, engaging, strange and (with luck) might even jog the goggles through which you view the world. That, after all, is the point of seeing any artist’s work: to see the world for a moment through their differently gifted eyes.

However, my recommendations are for the shows I know least about – where I can trust the curatorial instincts of Kate Yedigaroff and Matthew Austin to lead me on a journey of discovery which I never suspect. So book early and book often for The Guild of Cheesemakers by the Stand+Stare Collective (in fact I do know them having been startled out of my wits by SS Arcadia last year). On no account miss Music Circus by the strangely compelling clown-maestro Peter Swaffer-Reynolds, and in any free moment you have go to The Blind Tiger for unimaginable nightly japes and fandangles.

Whichever show you begin with, the chances are it will develop into a journey through the collective imaginations of an astonishing range of artists. Be sure to start your journey early, on 5th May, so it has time to unfold.

Music Circus

Elektrostatic
8pm, Monday 9th May 2011 @ Colston Hall

In our first collaboration with Colston Hall’s Elektrostatic series, composer and performer Peter Swaffer-Reynolds (composer for No Fit State Circus) co-curates an evening of unique music performance influenced by circus and theatre. Physical performers are joined by players from the Bristol Ensemble, transforming the Colston Hall foyer space into a mini circus with contemporary rope and trapeze artists performing with live music.