The World's Worst

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In 1970, inspired by the musical experiments of John Cage and others, students at Portsmouth College of Art created their own symphony orchestra, the Portsmouth Sinfonia. The only requirement for membership was that all players be unfamiliar with their instruments, leading to a unique approach of performing "only the familiar bits" of classical music. This challenge prompted audiences to reconsider well-known works as the ensemble humorously misplayed classics at various venues, including avant-garde music festivals and the Royal Albert Hall. By the end of the decade, after releasing three LPs featuring their unconventional interpretations and a rotating cast of over one hundred musicians, including Brian Eno and Michael Nyman, the Sinfonia disbanded. The first book dedicated to this ensemble explores its founding principles, collective memories, and its reputation as "the world's worst orchestra," which belies its significance as a populist avant-garde project. This narrative, while seemingly niche, sparks broader discussions about interdisciplinary art education, the influence of popular music, collaborative learning, and the challenge to established musical canons. The orchestra's story is enriched through interviews, magazine articles, photographs, archival materials, an essay by Christopher M. Reeves, and a foreword by Gavin Bryars.