Last month Somabotics hosted 13 students from the University of Limerick who travelled from Dublin to Nottingham and then on to Glasgow for a packed schedule of rehearsals, performances, and research conversations as part of the Somabotics ‘Traditionable Machines’ project.

Monday: Arrival in Nottingham & First Rehearsals

The students trip began on Monday 30 March, flying from Dublin into East Midlands Airport. Thanks to pre-arranged transport (and some very patient drivers from DG Cars), they made their way straight to the University of Nottingham’s Department of Music to join the Second International Conference in AI Music Studies (AIMS) conference and jump straight into an afternoon of rehearsals with Marco Amerotti and Adrian Hazzard.  After settling into the space, the evening offered some welcome free time to explore Nottingham before a busy few days of performances.

Tuesday: LOERIC Takes Centre Stage

Tuesday was a full day of activity including a 9am rehearsal in the Music Department’s Rehearsal Hall, followed, a quick lunch and then back into the city centre heading to Peggy’s Skylight, one of Nottingham’s most atmospheric venues. After a sound check and a shared dinner, the students took to the stage at 8pm for the LOERIC performance resulting in a fantastic evening of music-making. and audience engagement.

Wednesday: Onwards to Glasgow

Wednesday saw the students heading north, catching the 8.45am train from Nottingham to Glasgow, arriving just after 2pm where they checked into the Apex City of Glasgow Hotel and settled in ahead of another big performance.

 Thursday: Tradition in Motion at the Royal Conservatoire

After arriving at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for a rehearsal at 9am, the students then delivered their second performance during Tradition in Motion,  an event celebrating creativity and contemporary practice within traditional arts.

After the performance, it was time for the students to make their way over to Glasgow Airport for an evening flight back to Dublin, concluding their whirlwind tour!