JANUS ENSEMBLE

Brundibár is a children's opera by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krása with a libretto by Adolf Hoffmeister. The opera is an important part of Jewish cultural memory and was performed by the children of Theresienstadt concentration camp (Terezín) in occupied Czechoslovakia.

Janus Ensemble
New London Children's Choir
Rachel Hewer director 
Michael Coleby conductor
Leanne Vandenbussche designer 

During March 2020, players from the Janus Ensemble came together to perform a new opera by artist and composer Trulee Hall. The opera is an exploration of rituality and sexuality weaved together through music, libretto, choreography using elaborate costume, set design and props.

This project was part of the Zabludowicz ‘Hot with Excess: A Season of Contemporary Artists' Opera’. The opera was part of a larger commission of Trulee’s work being exhibited at the Zabludowicz gallery in London, including a number of videos, paintings and sculptures.

In September 2017, the Janus Ensemble collaborated with Chiddingly Festival (Sussex), on a staged performance of Igor Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale. The performance was proceeded by a set of workshops presented by educationalist and animateur, Caroline Welsh.

Over a number of weeks Caroline worked with Key Stage 2 children from Chiddingly and East Hoathly schools. The children worked to create a set of songs which were incorporated into the performance of The Soldier's Tale, sung by the children. During the workshops, musicians from the Janus Ensemble demonstrated their instruments, and talked about the roles that they play in Stravinsky's music. The production's cast included  Keith Drinkel, Simon Kane, Shaun Chambers and Phoebe Horn, and was directed by Caroline Ardron.

28th February 2016

A ‘promenade’ performance aimed at families, this was a unique chance for both children and adults to experience the raw power and excitement of a live orchestra playing this iconic work up close and personal.

The 35 - minute performance was preceded by a half hour workshop, where the audience could learn about both the historical context and inner workings of the piece and its revolutionary rhythmic ideas.

Janus Ensemble