In the hushed darkness of a Grade II listed thatched barn theatre, one of the most quietly mesmerising performances of this year’s Orphest inclusive music festival took place – and it almost felt like a secret ceremony.
Ambient composer Falling Brickwork took to the stage dressed in white, a lone figure surrounded by an intricate constellation of synths, samplers and loop stations. What followed was a meditative, lunar-inspired soundscape that held the intimate audience in absolute stillness. The music – loop-based, drone-led and textured with shimmering, live-played melodies – invited deep reflection. Some closed their eyes, swaying gently; others remained still, seemingly transfixed. Afterwards, there was no rush to break the silence – just a quiet, collective exhale, as though everyone had been holding their breath. One audience member simply remarked: “It’s very philosophical.”
Falling Brickwork: drone-led ambient music that transcends sound
Drone-led music is a style that focuses on long, steady tones that create a deep, immersive atmosphere. Rather than relying on fast melodies or complex rhythms, it uses continuous sounds that can feel calming or meditative. This approach can be found in a range of genres, from traditional Indian classical music to modern ambient and experimental works. Falling Brickwork blends this drone foundation with delicate melodic layers, resulting in a performance that was both atmospheric and emotionally resonant.
The set was accompanied by black-and-white visuals of the moon, slowly evolving in harmony with the soundscape. Interspersed throughout were fragments of lunar insight – including explanations of phenomena such as the super moon and when they occur in the moon’s orbit – adding quiet layers of meaning without disrupting the atmosphere.
Watching Falling Brickwork at work was part of the experience: intensely focused, adjusting loops and sculpting sound with the care of a craftsman. Every gesture felt purposeful; every texture, intentional. This was music not just to hear, but to inhabit.
In a world full of noise, the set offered a moment of contemplative stillness – a moonlit meditation in a historic barn and one of Orphest’s understated triumphs.
Orphest: a celebration of inclusive creativity at the Orpheus Centre
Orphest is an inclusive music festival hosted by the Orpheus Centre, an independent specialist college and charity based in Godstone, Surrey. The Centre supports young disabled people by teaching independence skills through a performing arts curriculum. Now in its eighth edition (with a break during Covid), the festival is a vibrant showcase of creativity and community. While the Orpheus Centre’s events team leads the organisation, Orphest thrives thanks to the support of numerous dedicated volunteers. Funding comes from sponsorship, ticket sales and income generated on the day – from the bar to the tombola.
Many musicians, like Falling Brickwork, generously donate their time, while headline acts are paid in line with industry standards. The festival offers a platform for Orpheus students to share their work from the year – including drama, singing, film and dance – alongside performances from the remarkable Show of Hands British Sign Language Choir, the accessible Arts Without Boundaries Band and more traditional festival favourites like cover bands Jackie Moon and the Hell Yeahs and Kickstart My Party.
Falling Brickwork releases music under the name FallingB on Soundcloud.
