What if music can be created beyond the stage – in a building’s foyers and stairways? Who said stairwells were just for stairs?
RMIT’s SIAL Sound Studios, Design and Sonic Practice Research Group and the Melbourne Recital Centre (MRC) have partnered to explore how MRC’s foyers and stairwells can be used to present spatial soundscapes.
The result is an experimental auditory journey through the MRC, which is renowned for its acoustic design and delighting music lovers with its high-quality listening experience.
The team, led by Director of RMIT’s Associate Professor Lawrence Harvey, commissioned new works from emerging artists and curated existing works to be installed along this 15 to 20-minute journey. The curated program features works from Jane Sheldon, Charlotte Leamon, Jasmin Wing-Yin Leung, and Patrick Hortano, alongside immersive creations fromMeri Leeworthy, and Joseph Callaly.
“We have commissioned a range of works, from dramatic, highly gestural works to contemplative works for voice and water, including electronic spatial sound works,” said Professor Harvey.
, from 10 to 13 December, is an exploration of ways the Centre’s program could be extended throughout a day for other types of sound works and spatial listening experiences for Melbourne audiences, moving beyond traditional seated concerts to a mobile and spatial sonic experience.
The idea was originally born from a conversation between Associate Professor Harvey and Jessie Upton, Visitor Experience Manager, and Latoyah Forsyth, Director of Engagement and Experience at Melbourne Recital Centre.
From a conversation in the foyer, to an immersive sound experience in the space, the experimental pilot project has brought a blend of expertise, artistry and community engagement.
“Due to the low noise floor and isolation from the surrounding city sounds, these spaces are high performance listening spaces,” said Professor Harvey.
“We investigated the minimal, yet most immersive, options to position loudspeakers throughout the spaces – especially to use sound reflected from the large front windows, ceiling and walls.
“The final system is surprisingly minimal for the actual effect of the sound.”
The foyers and stairwells spiral around the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and Primrose Potter Salon like a cochlear, creating a journey through the building for walking while listening in an acoustic that is unique.
“It’s an experience you can’t have at home, on-line or on your phone – gazing across Melbourne while immersed in sensuous spatial soundscapes,” said Associate Professor Harvey.
“As an audience, you will literally walk through the composition. It unfolds as you walk through different parts of the building, through different parts of the work.”
Adding to the experience, the program includes public talks from the artists, curators and project team that bring audiences into the creative process.
Audiences can take the sonic route through the MRC’s ground floor foyer until Friday 13 December.
