Sounds of the Earth: An exploration of sound and surface with Mirage

22nd Aug 2023

The hum of the city is an invisible presence in the built environment. Just as we focus our eyes upon the screen, we turn our attention away from the all-pervasive soundscape of a place.

What can you hear right now?

Sounds of the Earth is an investigation of sound and space. How does sound behave in different spaces? How do different materials interact with sound? What impact does sound have upon our physical and emotional wellbeing? How can sound influence our behaviour?

Through twelve events over three months we will tune in to the relationship between sound and space with performances, discussions, artworks, and stories from composers, scientists, architects, engineers, artists, and musicians.

At the centre of it all, our installation: the Ceramophone. Designed by Architect Simon Astridge and Music Producer James Mason, the Ceramophone is a completely new musical instrument created for Sounds of the Earth. It is a percussion instrument made from porcelain tiles tuned to the pentatonic scale, commissioned by our sponsor, Mirage.

Our speakers and performers will engage with the Ceramophone in different ways: to illustrate a point, to sample a loop, to accompany a larger ensemble, or simply to manifest a vibe.

As the melody of the event develops, we will give ear to themes such as the decoration of time, radical materiality, regenerative design, and the structure of the auditory system.

Of course, we invite you to interact with the Ceramophone; to reveal a new sound in our space.

Sounding the surface: An introduction to Sounds of the Earth and the Ceramophone

Join the creators of Sounds of the Earth, Mirage CEO Mauro Mazzi, Music Producer James Mason and Architect Simon Astridge as they introduce the programme, its themes and objectives. Be among the first to hear the unprecedented sounds of a completely new musical instrument as Jerry Fleming introduces the Ceramophone.

Drinks	18:00 - 19:15
Sounding the surface, an introduction	19:15 - 19:45
Performance by the Royal College of Music Percussionists and Akira Woodgrain	19:45 - 20:30
DJ set by Akira Woodgrain	20:30 - 22:30

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Panel talk: Ceramics and Circularity

Ken Graham, Solus Sustainability Manager, Alessandro Bianchi, Mirage Sustainability Manager, and Ana Rita Martins, Senior Associate, Sustainability and Design at Woodalls, discuss true sustainability and what that means for the ceramic sector. How do we play our part in achieving a circular economy?

Drinks	18:00 - 18:30
Panel talk	18:30 - 19:30
Drop in terrarium session	19:30 - 20:30

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Panel talk: Rethinking Materials for a Sustainable Future

Trille Vig of Mater; Sophie Halliday, Founder of The Sample Project; Rafael El Baz, Co-founder of GoodWaste; and Arianna Crasti, Sustainability Specialist at Mirage, discuss the implications of the journey to net zero for material makers and users.

Drinks	18:00 - 18:30
Panel talk	18:30 - 19:30
Performance by Jan Erika and Nostalgia Steel Band	19:30 - 22:00

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Bauhaus plate painting

Join us for a session of Bauhaus plate painting, led by Rhonda Drakeford.

Drinks and food	18:00 - 18:30
Plate painting session	18:30 - 20:00

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Panel talk: Architecture and the Ear

An exciting panel of scientists, architects and experts as we explore the structure of the ear and its implications for architecture and design.

Drinks	18:00 - 18:30
Panel talk	18:30 - 19:30
DJ set by Sofie K	19:30 - 22:00

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Sound bath with The Sound Shift

In this interactive workshop, explore the healing power of sound.

Drinks and food	18:00 - 18:30
Sound bath	18:30 - 19:30

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Sofar Sounds

This global phenomenon curate upcoming local talent. Come and experience the next generation of exciting musicians.

Drinks	19:30 - 20:00
Sofar Sounds	20:00 - 22:00

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Design Dialogues with Giulio Cappellini

Highly regarded founder and art director of Italian furniture company Cappellini, Giulio Cappellini, discusses Italian creativity and the process that goes into his designs.

Drinks and food	18:00 - 18:30
Talk	18:30 - 19:30
Performance by Expert Lover, ambient electronica collective with Alok Verma	19:30 - 22:00

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DJ Workshop with Arveene

Arveene will provide a guided tuition for budding DJs. A presentation followed by some active DJ practice and drinks.

Drinks and food	18:00 - 18:30
DJ workshop	18:30 - 20:00

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Loops Spool with Yoi Kawakubo

Experimental cocktails and an exploration of consciousness through sound, light, and space with celebrated artist Yoi Kawakubo.

Drinks and food	18:00 - 18:30
Introduction by Yoi Kawakubo	18:30 - 19:00
Performance by Yoi Kawakubo	19:00 - 19:45

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Crescendo: A farewell to Sounds of the Earth and the Ceramophone

Our 12-week journey through sound and space builds to its coda with Crescendo. Join us as we reflect upon the highlights of the event, accompanied by performances by a string quartet and singer-songwriter Plumm. The party will then continue with DJ sets, including one from our very own Sam Frith. The Ceramophone then heads to the Dezeen Awards!

Drinks and food	18:00 - 18:30
Talk from the creators of Sounds of the Earth	18:30 - 19:30
Performances by String Quartet, Plumm, and James Mason.	19:30 - 22:00