The Singing Tree: Es Devlin for the V&A
The soundtrack for The Singing Tree was co-written and performed by Jade Pybus. In collaboration with Liam Paton from res.lab, a music and sound design collective.
Set designer Es Devlin is known for the kinetic illuminated stage sculptures she creates in collaboration with the Royal Opera House and National Theatre, and with leading artists and performers including Beyonce, Kanye West and Adele. Conceived specially for the V&A, her new installation, the Singing Tree, will be brought to life via machine learning and thousands of words collected from the public.
Throughout the Christmas season, visitors are invited to contribute a word. These words will be transformed into an audio-visual carol, which will illuminate the Christmas tree, accompanied by an interactive choir of human and synthesised voices.
The Singing Tree has been created in collaboration with Es Devlin, video designer Luke Halls, creative technologist Ross Goodwin, creative studio Sunshine and music & sound collective Res.Lab. With thanks to PRG UK for the projection equipment and Yamaha for the sound system.
Colour Choir
"Colour Choir was an audio-visual installation from artist & musician Jade Pybus (Py), developed in creative partnership with Nathan Prince of Silent Studios, Ross Tones and longtime Radiohead collaborator Andi Watson. Using a full spectrum of coloured light and 3D sound, this sensory experience explored the relationship between voice, colour and space.
"Each night, Py performed live with every note and harmony of her voice visualised through 13 light sculptures placed around a railway arch, representing members of a choir. During the day the installation was open to the public. Visitors were able to interact with the installation and create their own arrangement of vocal harmonies, creating a choir of colour and sound, reinterpreting Py's story.
"All music composed, produced and mapped to the space by Py and Throwing Snow. Code and software written by Andreas Müller from Nanika. Produced by Electric Theatre Collective and One House Studios. Made possible by funding from Arts Council England."
Where The Voice Exists
'Where The Voice Exists' was a surround sound composition and performance from Jade Pybus.
The composition was created using a series of internal and external exercises to expose the voice in its extremities. Eight speakers and monitors where suspended in a circle at head height enclosing the audience in 360° sound and visuals for the duration of the performance.
The work investigates the relationship of the voice and space it is projected into. A conversation between numerous voices, including the genre specific, the internal, the external, the ethereal, the ugly voice and the beautiful. The notion of disguising and manipulating empowered by the need to discover and filter thoughts, much like the idea of consciousness and 'Thinking before you speak'. Explored through the appearance and disappearance of text, the recorded voice and its dialog with the live voice.
Influenced by the work and writings of Steven Connor 'Dumstruck: A history of Ventriloquism.
