Optophonic Lunaphone
Optophonic Lunaphone: A performance by Brian Duffy
Is it possible to hear the stars? Is it possible to hear the invisible?
Conceived by Birmingham artist Brian Duffy, Optophonic Lunaphone is a performance which takes place at night. An ensemble, comprising one conductor and two operators, will slowly explore and reveal the celestial soundscape in a unique collaboration between the Lunaphone, the conductor, the operators and the earth's atmosphere.
The Lunaphone is a unique instrument consisting of a group of specially adapted telescopes collecting lightwaves, from astral bodies, whilst peering skyward at night. These waves are then translated into sounds which feed into a central control panel, where they can be mixed and, to some extent, sequenced in time.
The telescope operators will explore the night sky choosing which distant, stellar object to focus on. The choice is at once selective and random being dependent not only on the control of the operators but also the clarity of the night's sky to assist, or hinder their task.
The performance will be preceded by an introduction by Brian Duffy at mac's outdoor Arena in Cannon Hill Park from 9pm on Sunday 29 August. Tickets £5/3 available from mac's ticket office 0121 440 3838. Should this performance be cancelled due to adverse weather, tickets will be valid for an alternative performance date on Sunday 5 September 2004.
Optophonic Lunaphone has been co-commissioned by Vivid, mac and Ikon Gallery. The event is being supported by mac's New Works Trust, the PRS Foundation and Birmingham City Council's Project Grants.
The support from the PRS Foundation has enabled Duffy to create a new electronic instrument to push the boundaries of electronic music and innovative practice.
The performance itself will help Duffy to achieve his long-term goals as an artist; to illuminate the mysterious realm of frequencies beyond human sense data.
In addition it will provide an opportunity for him to work with regional arts organisation such as Vivid, Ikon Gallery and mac in Birmingham. These new working relationships will introduce his practice to new audiences within the region, as well as nationally and internationally.
http://www.vivid.org.uk/projects.html
http://www.ikon-gallery.co.uk/
http://www.macarts.co.uk/?page=home
Music type: Electronic
Funding Scheme: Live Connections
Region: West Midlands
Contact:
Brian Duffy
mtoduffy@hotmail.com