Vestiges is a multimedia
installation comprising music, art and film and is designed to work in
churches. The idea came about in discussions between myself and film-maker
Annabel McCourt. Annabel has used my music in a number of her films but we had
never jointly conceived a project from scratch before. Our discussions were
wide-ranging. In due course we came to agree that we both love churches and we
both have broad tastes in art of all types. We felt it would be worth
trying to create work that ‘works with’ a church, rather than just happening to be in a church, but
without the work actually being religious in any way. Rather, it is a matter of
working with churches as amazing and inspiring buildings designed in part to
induce contemplation. From this the idea of Vestiges was born.
We
quickly decided we wanted at least two more artists involved. Artist Linda Ingham was an obvious choice because of an excellent installation
entitled Heavy and Light that she had
created for Grimsby Minster a few years earlier. This had certainly worked with
the church. We wondered if we needed a second composer, but didn’t want to
create a situation where sound bleed was an issue. However, we reflected that
churches often have separate, more intimate spaces that required a different
type of musical approach to my work. Once we realised this, David Lancaster was
the obvious choice.
Meetings
followed, venues said yes and an Arts Council bid for a short tour of Northern
England churches was submitted. This was successful and Vestiges opened its
tour at St Mary’s Church in Barton, where we enjoyed a truly exceptional degree
of help and support from those associated with the church.
Here
is a link to a short film about the opening night in Barton:
After
that, Vestiges moved to Grimsby Minster. This markedly larger church offered
new possibilities and challenges. You can see a film of our time at Grimsby
Minster here:
We
are looking forward to being at York's Unitarian Chapel to launch the 2014 Late
Music Concert Series. The series itself is the best yet, in my humble opinion.
The Unitarian Chapel is a fascinating building, markedly different to any
church we have worked in before. However, as all our work is site-specific, the very difference of the Unitarian Chapel is a stimulating advantage.
Do please come along on Saturday 22nd February to see what we are up
to. As well as us, there will be wine, nibbles and a chance to meet other music
lovers in the run up to Late Music 2014.
After
the Late Music launch, we will be taking Vestiges to the 20:21 Gallery in Scunthorpe (a converted church)
where we will be part of the Museums at Night project. As 20:21 won one of the
ten national artists, Vestiges will find itself rubbing shoulders with
international artist Jessica Voorsanger on this occasion, which is very
exciting.
For
more about Vestiges, please visit:
For
more on the four artists who make up Vestiges, please see these sites:
- David Power
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