UK’S first underwater gig in pipline for Glasgow
● Danish band to be submerged in tanks as Tramway hosts Sonica show
The UK’S first underwater concert is to be staged in Glasgow this autumn when the Tramway hosts a performance by five Danish singers and musicians playing customdesigned instruments.
The show, which has been around nine years in the making and has involved deep-sea divers, scientists and instrument-makers, will see the musicians submerged in vast tanks of water that will glow in a darkened gallery space.
The performances of Aquasonic, by the Danish company Between Music, are expected to be highlights of Sonica, Glasgow’s biennial festival of “sonic arts”.
The company describes the show – which features a hydraulophone, violin, electromagnetic harp, chimes and percussion – as a “concert experience out of the ordinary, a deep dive into a compelling visual universe and a new world of sound”.
Organisers of Sonica, which will host work from 12 countries in October and November, have billed the “unmissable, otherworldly” Aquasonic as one of the highlights of the autumn cultural calendar in Scotland. The event runs from 26 October to 5 November.
Another show at the festival will see Japanese artist Nelo Akamatsu take over Govanhill Baths for a show deploying water, sewing needles, glass
0 Nine years in the making, Denmark’s Between Music brings the Aquasonic show to Glasgow tumblers and coils of copper wire. He will also create an installation for the Lighthouse, Glasgow’s centre for architecture, made from glass vessels filled with water and a small winged magnet which will generate a swirling vortex.
Mexican artist Manuel Rocha Iturbide’s work for the festival will feature a suspended electric guitar.
Cathie Boyd, artistic director of Sonica producers Cryptic, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to open Sonica with an unmissable UK premiere of one of the most jaw-dropping concerts you’re likely to see.
“Aquasonic is truly unlike anything audiences will have experienced before and to be able to show it to UK audiences for the first time is an honour for Sonica and Glasgow.
“We’re also proud to present work from the most promising talents on the Scottish and UK arts scene, and to bring the cream of the visual sonic arts world to Glasgow.
“With all installations free to attend, Sonica is the perfect opportunity to experience what happens when technology, science and art get together.”