Sounding Change is a new Artist Residency programme for musicians, composers and artists, that offers the chance to explore new ideas and develop their artistic practice in the specialist research environment of the University of Birmingham’s Department of Music. The Sounding Change programme aims to tackle issues of under-representation within the arts and academia, encouraging innovation in the practices and study of music.
Azizi Cole presents Body Clock, a new work that combines music, movement and body percussion to reflect on the influence that music can have on the body. Using unison, syncopation and rhythmic techniques, this is a live music and physical dance experience. Azizi Cole is a percussionist and composer, who combines his experience in both music and dance to create work that is both a visual and audible experience. Body Clock is born out of a research project supported by Opera North. Catch the performance on Saturday 25 May at 19:00, at the Elgar Concert Hall at the University of Birmingham.
BEAST (Birmingham Electro-Acoustic Sound Theatre) takes its sound system on the road and joins forces with artist and musician Antonio Roberts to co-curate a night of electronic and experimental music and visuals at Centrala on Thursday 30 May at 19:30. The evening includes the premiere of a new audio-visual work by musician, sound designer and DJ Mwen, plus audio and visual performances by Antonio Roberts, Indira Lakshmi, Jim Osmon and okcandice.
BULLYACHE (Courtney Deyn and Jacob Samuel) choreograph, direct, score and conceptualise spectacular original works. For this performance they will be joined by famed drag queen and pianist Barbs and dancer Oscar Li, and new orchestral arrangements by Magnus Westwell, performed by the University of Birmingham String Ensemble, to present their unique mix of pop culture, classical text and opera. WHO HURT YOU? takes place outside Barbs home, where she lives with her two backing dancers and continues to perform her Vegas show to anyone who happens to pass by. Lost in a state of traumatised amnesia after a long run on the Blackpool pleasure beach strip, the performers-cum-directors exploit their trauma to its inevitable conclusion, each vying for the spotlight. A reality where physical space has broken down, the theatres have closed, no money is left, but people still drag themselves to perform, even if it’s in a car park.
We are so excited to announce this performance series as the culmination of the first year of the Sounding Change programme. Each artist has their own unique sound and performance style, and the University of Birmingham is pleased to support them in this pivotal moment in their careers.”
Dr Annie Mahtani, Associate Professor of Music at University of Birmingham
Tickets
Tickets start at £5 for University of Birmingham student and staff, with discounts available if you book for multiple Sounding Change events. Get your tickets here: