Light Night 2021
Recently, I announced that an installation by artist Haroon Mirza would be made as part of this year’s Biennial.
Watch Pathology in Three Parts 2021, created for this year’s Light Night:
About the commission:
Haroon Mirza’s presentation for Liverpool Biennial 2021 comprises two elements: a video work, Pathology in Three Parts (2021) and a new choral performance The Three /\/\/’s (2021).
The Three /\/\/’s (2021) explores social gatherings and ritual and is informed by the Fibonacci sequence and golden ratio – a mathematical phenomenon visible throughout nature and often applied in classical art. This ongoing performance featuring Liverpool based singers will not invite an audience while restrictions apply, and will instead be documented, with the resulting footage forming the central element of the new three-part video work. In collaboration with Mirza, Jennifer John has led the ensemble of composers and performers, made up of Anne Taft, Emma Bispham, Jennifer John, Steve Boyland and Tayo Aluko in order to evolve the vocal interpretations of the ritual.
Pathology in Three Parts (2021) follows Mirza’s “modular opera” structure, and features two scenes or “acts” from a previous iteration, Construction of an Act (2019), either side of this new performative element. As new acts join the repertoire, the narrative, based around a shaman who uses her voice to heal, unfolds exploring ideas of sound, medicine and mystical experience. Both works ask us to consider the sociological and physiological properties of the human voice, and explores Mirza's interest in systems of belief, waveforms and patterns of movement.
Pathology in Three Parts (2021), will feature on Mirza’s forthcoming album released in digital format on the TAKUROKU label as part of a collaboration with Café OTO on 21 May 2021.
Featuring material commissioned by the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art for the Melbourne International Festival (2019).
Pathology in Three Parts (2021) vocal performance by Sarah-Jane Lewis.
The Three /\/\/’s (2021) features performances by Anne Taft, Emma Bispham, Jennifer John, Steve Boyland and Tayo Aluko.
Commissioned by Liverpool Biennial, with support from Open Culture.
Premiering as part of LightNight 2021: Play
Liverpool Biennial Commission
I have been musically directing and project managing an extremely challenging process of vocal improvisation in a collaboration with artist Haroon Mirza for his new presentation within the Liverpool Biennial: The Three /\/\/\/’s (2021) .
I am super excited to be part of a dream team of amazing singers for this year's Biennial extravaganza.
I have been musically directing and project managing an extremely challenging process of vocal improvisation in a collaboration with artist Haroon Mirza for his new presentation within the festival: The Three /\/\/\/’s (2021) . This particular piece will explore The Golden Ratio/Fibonacci sequence sometimes referred to as The Divine Proportion. It is fascinating and can be found occurring throughout the natural world. See here for more details about what it is.
My role is to interpret the concept for voices and I have loved every challenging second of it. I have chosen the singers who have been working with me throughout the process very carefully for their own unique artistry and courageous approaches to improvised singing. Anne Taft, Emma Bispham, Tayo Aluko and Steve Boyland have been developing the piece and we are discovering new techniques and approaches throughout the whole rehearsal process which has definitely made me want to develop my own personal skills within this genre of music-making.
An installation is planned for this year's Light Night which is happening on May 21st. Location and times are still to be confirmed, but keep watching this space.
Commissioned by Liverpool Biennial. Supported by Open Culture.