Improvisers

Improvising musicians create music spontaneously, on the spur-of-the-moment

Coming from a wide variety of musical backgrounds – including folk, jazz, classical, experimental and contemporary, as well as film music – the Northern Silents improvisers are a crack team of players who thrive on the unpredictability of improvised live scoring. Playing solo, or in combinations ranging from twos and threes to larger groups, the musicians watch the film along with the audience, creating music in real time.

Northern Silents also runs workshops and masterclasses for improvisers, including an annual residential weekend in Morecambe. These events provide an opportunity for current players to develop their skills and new players to explore silent film accompaniment for the first time. 

Meet some of the improvising musicians who have performed over the last few years