AO in the Media

  • “At the intersection of tradition and technology, innovation is often found. Composer Anna Clyne and sound engineer Jody Elff embody this spirit, changing the face of classical music through their groundbreaking concept, the Augmented Orchestra (AO). "

    International Arts Manager, August 2024

  • “The evening’s best moments came from the curtain-raiser, the world premiere of Anna Clyne’s The Gorgeous Nothings…The Swingles’ expertise, plus electronic spatial effects swinging around the hall, proved most beguiling.”

    The i, July 2024 (The Gorgeous Nothings)

  • “[AO] produced a subtly atmospheric effect and heightened the fragile beauty of the music. The translucent orchestral textures were judged to perfection… The performance from all quarters was committed and sophisticated.”

    Bachtrack, July 2024 (The Gorgeous Nothings)

  • “The results were not merely accessible (as one expected), but beautiful. In the vast intimacy of the Royal Albert Hall the effect was magical…Clyne’s orchestral accompaniment is chameleonic: simple, elaborate, powerful, rich, chorale-like, rhythmically insistent, chattering, swirling, pastoral and so on…”

    Seen and Heard International, August 2024 (The Gorgeous Nothings)

  • “The use of an “Augmented Orchestra,” with sounds electronically manipulated in real-time by sound designer Jody Elff, added a layer of ethereal atmosphere. The result was a soundscape that felt both intimate and expansive, with fleeting moments of magic…”

    A Youngish Perspective, August 2024 (The Gorgeous Nothings)

  • “The music is instantly striking…in its distinctive, involving sound world, full of tumbling scales, a haunting use of percussion, and dappled vocal effects.”

    Musical America, August 2024 (The Gorgeous Nothings)