Paraorchestra in Tune with The Breath for BBC Proms

Paraorchestra return to the BBC Proms in August with the world premiere of ‘Symbiosis’, a new commission created in collaboration with the renowned folk duo The Breath and Ivor Novello winning composer Oliver Vibrans.

‘Symbiosi’s brings together the poetic power and folkloric lyricism of Ríoghnach Connolly and Stuart McCallum (The Breath) with the rich, textural sonic universe of Paraorchestra, who were named Best Ensemble at this year's Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.

Following his acclaimed work on Paraorchestra's first Proms at Bristol Beacon in 2024, Oliver Vibrans has reimagined The Breath's evocative music for orchestral performance, crafting a sound world of rare instrumentation and emotional intensity.

Rather than a standard fusion, ‘Symbiosis’ offers a truly integrated and unique hybrid. Vibrans and Paraorchestra are not simply accompanying The Breath, they are transforming and expanding their songs into new landscapes that are lush, unpredictable and emotionally resonant.

"We’re beyond excited to be bringing another world premiere to the Bristol Beacon and the BBC Proms,” said Paraorchestra Artistic Director Charles Hazlewood.

“The Breath are powerful music makers and storytellers and our collaboration with them and our long-time colleague Oliver Vibrans is a new sonic adventure, one that is constantly evolving, thrilling and life-affirming."

The concert takes place at Bristol Beacon at 6pm on Friday 22 August as part of BBC Proms Bristol 2025. It is also being broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.

To book visit https://bristolbeacon.org/ and for further information on Paraorchestra visit https://paraorchestra.com/