Aquarium launch for orchestral projects highlighting world’s oceans

AN orchestra and six “shoals” of young musicians are hoping to make a splash by performing a concert which aims to highlight the fragility of the oceans.

Some of those taking part assembled before the spectacular backdrop of Hull aquarium The Deep yesterday to launch the project, called Sounding The Deep.

Commissioned by Hull Philharmonic Orchestra to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Deep and the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, composer Nigel Morgan is working towards a premiere in the city on March 17 next year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

New technology will be central to the production, and acoustic performances will be accompanied by musicians on laptops who plan to capture live sounds from maritime research institutions around the world and integrate them with the music.

Mr Morgan said the project was inspired by the history of ocean exploration, particularly the work of William Beebe, a zoologist who in the 1930s became the first man to reach “a half mile down” in a steel bathysphere off Bermuda.

The libretto is taken from Beebe’s own words including part of the live radio transcript of his record-breaking descent. The vocal soloist, James Gower, will play the part of Beebe giving one of his celebrated public lectures.

Mr Morgan said: “My aims include fostering an understanding of new forms of orchestral music and to promote an awareness of both the wonder and the fragility of the world’s oceans.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The performance looks sure to be outstanding. Hull has always been a home for artistic endeavour and in many cases has been ahead of its time.” The project is being backed by Hull University, Hull College, East Riding Council, Hull Council, and North Lincolnshire Council, with financial support from the St Hugh’s Foundation and BP Chemicals.

Organisers say that the National Geographic and BBC Wildlife magazines have signalled their interest.

The concert, at Hull City Hall, will also feature dance, singing, and the deep-sea sounds of narwhales and underwater volcanic eruptions.

Andrew Penny, the orchestra’s musical director, said: “Setting up this unique project about promoting protection of the marine environment is giving the orchestra a chance for greater involvement with businesses, education and the wider cultural community.

“There is a lot of wonderful music in the world, but it is always exciting to take up the challenge of the new.”

The orchestral project can be followed at www.soundingthedeep.co.uk

Related topics: