Zoom Workshop

Wed 22 July, 6–7:30pm BST

Learn the ins and outs of writing for and performing with turntables with award-winning DJ Mr Switch and composer Gabriel Prokofiev.

Fusing the worlds of classical and scratching, Mr Switch and Gabriel will explore and discuss the art of turntablism, inviting participants to have a go at different techniques using free downloadable software for those without a DJ setup.

The workshop centres on Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra by Gabriel Prokofiev, premiered at BBC Proms by Mr Switch in 2011. Putting a DJ in the coveted soloist role, the concerto tears the turntable away from its familiar home at the heart of hip-hop, embedding it instead at the centre of an orchestra.

Mr Switch will take you on an exclusive journey through the Concerto. You will see how the piece is performed, learn about the various scratch techniques employed in each of the five movements, and get to try some of them yourself. The session will also cover some of the history of turntablism, provide insights into composing for the turntable, and how it can be incorporated into an classical context.

Whether you have a full DJ setup, or a device (iOS or Android) with which you can download a free DJ app, you will be able to try scratching at home.

This workshop is open to DJs of any ability, or anyone interested in discovering more about this unique piece of music. No prior knowledge of DJing required. If you have any questions regarding suitability for this workshop or if the price is a barrier to your ability to attend, please get in touch with sophie@nonclassical.co.uk

See the full Nonclassical Academy programme >>

About the artists

DJ Mr Switch (aka Anthony Culverwell) is one of the most accomplished DJs ever to come out of the UK, having won multiple international awards for his skill and craftsmanship. Since premiering Gabriel Prokofiev's Concerto for Turntables and Orchestraat the BBC Proms in 2011, he has performed the work over 70 times across 20 different countries. This has led to numerous spinoff projects – including several new pieces written by Prokofiev for Switch, and Mr Switch’s own orchestral group “Symphonica”, which fuses classical music with dance-floor destroying beats & Switch’s scratch skills. But Mr Switch is not just renowned for his work in classical crossover – he has spun tunes in every conceivable kind of music venue, collaborated with a full variety of musicians, and played in a literal A-Z of countries around the world. A favourite at festivals, Switch has performed closing DJ sets at Bestival, Shambala and Glastonbury. Radio credits include DJ mixes & performances for Radio 1, 1Xtra, Kiss FM & BBC Asian Network. Numerous TV appearances include BBC Breakfast, Go For It (ITV), I’ve Never Seen Star Wars (BBC) & Blue Peter.

Gabriel Prokofiev is a London-based composer, producer, DJ and founder of Nonclassical. Composing music that both embraces and challenges western classical traditions, Gabriel has emerged at the forefront of a new approach to classical music in the UK at the beginning of the 21st century. His compositions have been performed at a diverse range of venues, from the Royal Albert Hall and Tchaikovsky Hall, through to East London night-clubs & warehouses, with performers including Daniel Hope, Vladimir Jurowski, Sascha Goetzel, Seattle Symphony, Luxembourg Philharmonie, Russian State Symphony, Copenhagen Philharmonic, and Princeton Symphony.