LISTEN, A Season of Sound Art based at Black Swan Arts Frome turns in the middle of August to meditation, far away places and walking.
Organisers say, “Frome resident Michael Ormiston is the UK’s most experienced Mongolian Khöömii (overtone) singer, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, inspirational teacher, workshop leader and therapeutic sound practitioner.
“With overtone singer and singing bowl and gong practitioner Candida Valentino, Michael will lead a workshop in sound meditation with Himalaya singing bowls in the Round Tower of Black Swan Arts in Frome – Wednesday 21st August, 6.30pm to 10pm.
“On Thursday 22nd August, 7pm to 9pm, LISTEN curator, Helen Ottaway, will be joined by multi-disciplinary artist, Jane Pitt, and composer, Sadie Harrison, to talk about creating music in far away places.
“All three artists have experienced working far from home and have been inspired by the people, the landscape, the climate and the culture of a distant land. Helen Ottaway and Jane Pitt have both taken part in the Sura Medura artists’ residencies in Sri Lanka and Sadie Harrison has worked with people and musicians in Afghanistan. Don’t miss the chance to hear the stories of the three women and to see and hear Helen Ottaway’s musical box and Jane Pitt’s megaphone duet.
“The final weekend of August is also the final weekend of LISTEN. On Thursday 29th August we welcome Errollyn Wallen MBE, fresh from the world premiere of her new piece ‘This Frame is Part of the Painting’ at the BBC Proms with the National Orchestra of Wales and mezzo-soprano Catriona Morison. Errollyn, nominated in 2018 as one of the top 100 women of influence in the world, will perform her piano music and songs from the celebrated Errollyn Wallen Songbook in a rare concert in the lovely acoustic of Christ Church, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. There will also be a Q&A session with the artist.
“On Saturday 31st local writer-trio Poetry in Motion will present The Emma Sheppard Walk, commissioned by LISTEN; a celebration of the life and work of Emma Sheppard, workhouse reformed and author of Sunshine in the Workhouse. The easy-paced three- mile walk will start at Fromefield House at 10am and follow Emma Sheppard’s daily journey across town to the workhouse (now Ecos Court), with readings along the way. The walk is expected to finish at 1pm.
“The last day of LISTEN, 1st September 2019, coincides with Sound Walk Sunday, an international celebration of walking and listening across the globe. This year, in another first for Frome, Sound Walk Sunday will be based in Frome and will feature a silent walk by Belgian artist Geert Vermeire.”
All events are ticketed, please see www.listensoundart.org.uk for details.
Pictured: Errollyn Wallen. (photo Azzurra Primavera)
