Harmonic fields
Birkrigg Common, Near Ulverston LA12 0PG
11am-8pm, Saturday, 4 June 2011
Internationally acclaimed French artist and composer, Pierre Sauvageot (Lieux publics, France) will create an ‘interactive musical soundscape’ on Birkrigg Common, near Ulverston from 3-5 June.
500 Aeolian (after the Greek god, Aeolus, keeper of the wind) instruments, will be installed for 3 days upon the common, in the UK premiere of this event. They will be played and powered only by the wind, to create an enchanting musical soundscape which you will experience as you either rest or move amongst them.
The instruments will be a mixture of conventional and purpose built instruments; for example, metal and wood cellos, strings, flutes, Balinese scarecrows, sirens, gongs, harps and bamboo organs. They will be organised into four sections, each named after different types of winds from around the world. The sounds that they create, and the tempo of the music, will depend entirely upon the strength and the direction of the wind.
This is the first event we have produced that relies upon the wildness of the elements for its success. Birkrigg Common, with its open landscape and stunning views of the sea, will be the perfect environment to immerse yourself in the beauty of the sounds created and driven by the natural elements. Harmonic fields promises an extraordinary musical and visual experience.
Pierre Sauvageot is Artistic Director of Lieux Publics, the National Centre of Creation in Marseilles (France). He composes and creates music with conventional orchestras as well as using these more innovative techniques. His previous projects have included a version of Bartok’s Allegro Barbaro with 100 people on the streets of Marseille, blending traditional instruments and sounds of the city including klaxons, motorbikes and broken bottles!
Please note that the ground on the Common is uneven and may be unsuitable for wheelchair users. However some of the installation will be able to be seen and heard from the road.
There is limited parking on-site which will be clearly sign posted. A free shuttle-bus will also be running from Ulverston and further details will be posted here shortly.
With thanks to The Crown Estate
In Partnership with South Lakeland District Council
In Association with
Media Partners
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