The sound sculpture work Rainforest IV, originally created by composer David Tudor in 1973, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a spectacular new realization at the Baby Grand Theatre in Kingston Ontario. From July 13 to 22, the public is invited to interact with an immersive forest of unusual loudspeakers created from locally sourced found objects and discarded materials, including mangled old shopping carts, bathtubs and everything in between.

The simple but rich concept at the core of Rainforest is that that found objects act as fascinating acoustic filters for sounds which are performed through them. In a workshop led by sound artist Matt Rogalsky and sonic geographer Laura J Cameron, both faculty at Queen’s University, 13 participant-musicians have designed sounds to complement their objects. The players then collaborate to make a rich listening environment, building layers of sound in an exploratory way.

Rainforest IV is a strongly visual sound sculpture work, usually performed live over a period of several hours, providing an improvisational environment for participants to co-create in sound what David Tudor described as “an electronic ecology” which ebbs and flows and changes slowly over time as the group finds its way. There is no planned form for a multi-hour performance: visitors are free to come and go, and walk around the room of sound sculptures, as many as 40 suspended in space and each resonating with unique sounds. Sensing sonic vibrations through gently touching the objects is also encouraged. The piece is welcoming to all ages and abilities!

On July 13, Rainforest IV will open at the Baby Grand with a five hour live presentation from 4pm to 9pm. From July 14 to 22, the piece will be open to the public daily from 10am to 4pm as a self-running installation.

The late David Tudor (d. 1996) is well remembered as a talented concert pianist whose career took him into unique forms of electronic music and sound installation. He worked for decades with the avant garde dancer Merce Cunningham, as a musician and music director of the Cunningham Dance Company.

More information about Rainforest IV can be found at web link

Rainforest IV is supported by the Dan School of Drama and Music at Queen’s University, and the City of Kingston Arts Fund.

Media contacts:
Rainforest50.org
Amanda Tschanz, 705 825 0165
Dr Matt Rogalsky, [email protected] Posted: Jul 7, 2023