Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Jolt will present their groundbreaking inaugural sensory experience on Friday 9 May in the Christchurch Town Hall - a disability-led interactive concert experience designed for people with intellectual disabilities, including complex and profound access needs.

Sensory connection to the music

CSO strings will perform four movements of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, featuring CSO musicians as soloists – Assistant Concertmaster Sarah McCracken, Principal Second Violin Arna Morton, Violin Laura Barton and Violin Andrew Maddick.

They will be joined by CSO woodwinds and violinist Mark Menzies for Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending.

The performance will be shaped and facilitated by Jolt dancers, creating a sensory, responsive and imaginative connection to the music.

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra makes it their mission to remove barriers that stand in the way of people engaging in life-changing, live music-based experiences through immersion. This includes a world-leading Ki te Hapori In the community programme. CSO relishes its collaboration with Jolt, enhancing wellbeing through the power of music and social connection.

A profoundly human experience

Dr Graham Sattler, CSO Chief Executive, says that music is for everyone, and movement and music together is a profoundly human experience.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating once again with the wonderful Jolt artists in offering a sensory experience that benefits us all. Expression, participation, inclusion and collaboration. What could be better?” 

Jolt is reimagining what a performance for this audience can be. In doing so, it is challenging deficit views of disability. Instead of removing elements like loud noises and bright lights to make the performance more accessible, Jolt is adding artistic elements that enhance the experience.

Lyn Cotton, Artistic Director of Jolt says this approach maintains the artistic integrity, and respects the original composition and the work of musicians while increasing engagement and response to the music, making the performance more inclusive and enriching for everyone.

“We began this journey because we felt this audience has the right to experience high-quality, artistic experiences that honour their way of interacting with the world,” Lyn says. “To view the music through a sensory lens has opened up a deeply imaginative connection that has challenged and inspired us as artists.”

"Nothing about us without us"

Central to this initiative is the principle of "nothing about us without us". Disabled people have been actively involved in shaping and presenting every aspect of this performance, ensuring that it truly meets the needs and preferences of the community.

All Jolt dancers involved in creating and presenting this performance are also Jolt Move-trained teachers. This approach to dance teacher training is specifically designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Their skills, honed through comprehensive training and extensive community involvement, make them the ideal team to foster connections and create experiences that genuinely engage a diverse audience, complementing the work shared by CSO musicians.

CSO x Jolt: Sensory Experience will take place in the CSO Centre’s Ron Ball Studio, an ideal setting for an intimate concert. This inclusive event welcomes everyone, and a quiet space will be available for those who need it. Jolt dancers will be on hand to support any access needs.

Thanks to funders and sponsors

CSO’s work in the community is supported by its Ki Te Hapori IN the Community Partners Wynn Williams, Irelands and Christchurch Casino.

Jolt’s work on this project is supported by funding from The Lamar Foundation.   

The Move Programme is supported by funding from The IHC Foundation, The Blogg Trust and Maurice Carter Foundation.  

Jolt’s ongoing work is supported by key funders, The Rata Foundation, Creative New Zealand, Christchurch City Council, Tū Manawa and Community Organisation Grants Scheme.

Tickets are now on sale. Accessible tickets are priced at $15, with a companion ticket included.

Date: Friday 9 May
Time: 10am and 11.30am
Location: Ron Ball Studio, Christchurch Town Hall