Improvising with Orchestra

The notion of an entire orchestra improvising might seem extraordinary, yet it's entirely possible. Each musician carries a rich repository of musical styles in their memory and, when actively listening to their colleagues, collective improvisation becomes achievable. The process begins with carefully structured frameworks—starting from unison imitation and gradually evolving toward complex harmonic structures. With these elements in place, the "miracle" of orchestral improvisation naturally unfolds. While the musicians'  creativity drives this process, the experienced guidance of a conductor remains invaluable, providing subtle direction that helps shape this remarkable collaborative expression.

Please watch Racheli Galay leading an orchestral improvisation according to the Galay improvisation method. 

Orchestral Improvisation, Racheli Galay conducting the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra in an improvisation piece