Intangible Instruments

Intangible Instruments is one of three special performances taking over 107's rooftop garden and stages for In Frequency. See the full program here.

Intangible Instruments brings together performers and researchers working at the forefront of interactive and embodied musical instrument design. Expect the unexpected, as a program of solo and collaborative audio-visual works by composers Mary Mainsbridge, Donna Hewitt and Julian Knowles explore the creative potential of the dynamic, moving body, showcasing innovations in movement controlled soundscape generation, lighting and projections.

Vocalists and composers, Donna Hewitt and Mary Mainsbridge present new performance pieces that highlight the intangible aspects of voice and movement. The invisible interface of the voice, the body’s original and most intimate acoustic instrument, gains form through body movements, interactive visuals, processed and synthesised sounds.

Performer and composer, Mary Mainsbridge will debut original work, Intangible Spaces for voice and custom-designed gestural instrument. Much like the theremin, sounds are plucked from the ether using touchless gesture control, merging with the voice to create a hybrid sonic signature. Visuals depicting the sonic processes behind the instrument are projected onto the body, creating a shifting canvas of movement and sound controlled light beams. The dimensions of the instrument and body are projected alongside a subtly shifting visual backdrop by Sydney-based video artist, JD Young and complemented by hypnotic rhythm section featuring Robbie Mudrazija on electronic drums, samples and percussion and bassist Meeghan Oliver.

Donna Hewitt, whose pioneering instrument designs, compositions and performances have uncovered new ways of interfacing the voice with electronic media, will perform a set with her eMic, a sensor enhanced microphone stand, and her newly devised wireless wearable interface. These interfaces allow the performer to manipulate electronic, acoustic sounds and her voice in real time by capturing bodily movements via sensing mounted on her body and on the microphone stand. She will also present a composition for two wearable interfaces and intelligent lighting, joined by Mary Mainsbridge.

For $10, gain access to all three performances.

In Frequency Set times
Doors 6pm
Performance Space
The Sound of Spaces 7 – 8pm
Intangible Instruments 8.45 – 10.45pm

Upstairs + Rooftop
Patchwork Dreaming 8 – 10pm

Supported by XCelerate, an initiative of Vivid Music and City of Sydney.