Audio visual: Future of Sound / Future of Light at Arnolfini

Tuesday 21st April 2009

Bringing together an international collective of vanguard artists, musicians, animators and digital masters, Future of Sound / Future of Light’s nationwide tour arrive at Arnolfini on April 25.

Hosted by Martyn Ware, electronic pioneer and founder of Human League /Heaven 17, the show explores the future of experiential art and sound and includes a presentation, performance and audience interaction.

In tandem with Illustrious - Martyn Ware’s creative venture with Vince Clarke - Future of Sound presents ambient compositions that utilise a ground-breaking 3D surround sound system.

“This is the holy grail of audio; 3D sonic imaging that challenges audiences to embrace a new take on experiencing sound,” says Ware.

From the man who created a device converting starlight into music – Brian Duffy presents Modified Toy Orchestra. Duffy conducts a real-time orchestra which taps into the latent potential of discarded technology by using abandoned electronic children’s toys to create sophisticated electro pop, industrial and abstract soundscapes.

MTO are currently working on their second album, due for release this autumn, and will be making their first UK appearance at Arnolfini the following their inaugural tour of China.

Featuring a rare alchemy of award-winning musicians, animators and programmers The Sancho Plan create fantastical worlds of adventure in which animated musical characters are triggered in real time by a variety of electronic musical instruments. Intended as narrative stories as much as musical and visual performances, their shows have featured in clubs and festivals around the world from Big Chill (UK) to Burning Man (USA).

Sarah Nicolls is a member of Warp Records’ trio Alexander’s Annexe, who have performed at Transmedial Festival (Berlin) and Sonar (Barcelona). For Future of Sound Nicholls will be setting the piano against electronic music by using motors inside the piano to harness electronic sound triggered, in true magicians style, by Nicolls waving an old-fashioned top hat.

Owl Project’s Steve Symons will be performing the new m-Log; a USB-powered electronic instrument hand carved out of wood, which turns light waves into sound. Also featuring compositions by Simon Whetham captured around the world from Iceland’s glaciers to Brazil’s rainforests.

Accompanying the evening showcase Future of Sound/ Future of Light will additionally present an afternoonworkshop by Steve Symons (Owl Project) using the muio interface and USB hardware to control the real world using programmes such as Pure Data.

Also featuring explorations into the future of sound and light via Artist Talks and Q&A chaired by Cyberonica’sLewis Sykes. Participating artists are Anthony Rowe (squidsoup), Kathy Hinde, Nicholas Boritch (Anti VJ) and Brian Duffy (Modified Toy Orchestra).

As part of the event, Arnolfini’s foyer and gallery will feature installations Rod Maclachlan (Blackout Arts), Kathy Hinde, squidsoup, Wrap3 and Anti VJ. On the 26th April Arnolfini also presents Interesting Sounds by Russell Davies.

Future of Sound / Future of Light takes place at Arnofini on Saturday, April 25. The evening auditorium showcase runs from 7pm-10.30pm. Ticket prices are £7/5 concs.

The I Light Studio Workshop runs from 2pm-3.30pm and artist talks and the Q&A take place in the Dark Studio from 3.30pm-5pm. Tickets are priced £4/3 concs.

For tickets, ring the box office on 0117 917230.