In an innovative fusion of artistic disciplines, a forthcoming concert in Nottingham will present a captivating multisensory experience. The singers and musicians performing Josef Haydn's celebrated 18th-century oratorio, The Creation, will be joined on stage by an artist who will create paintings in real time, directly inspired by the musical performance unfolding around her.
A Unique Collaboration Between Sound and Vision
Conductor Alex Robinson will lead the Festival Chorus and the orchestra of the Nottingham-based charity "Music for Everyone" in this extraordinary event. Alongside them, artist Caroline Bordignon will interpret the music through her dynamic painting, offering the audience a visual representation of Haydn's majestic score as it is performed.
An Immersive Experience at Albert Hall
The concert is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, at Nottingham's historic Albert Hall, with proceedings commencing at 6pm. Alex Robinson expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: "Caroline will bring a dynamic, visual dimension to the performance - as she paints in real time, her evolving artwork will mirror the unfolding drama of Haydn's score."
Throughout the concert, Caroline will work on multiple canvases positioned on stage. Robinson added: "She will create something really special on stage. It'll be a profound immersive mix of sound and image." This marks the first time the Festival Chorus and the musicians of "Music for Everyone" have embarked on such an interdisciplinary project.
The Art of Synaesthesia
Caroline Bordignon is an established practitioner of synaesthesia, a neurological phenomenon where the stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic experiences in a second sensory pathway. She utilises this condition to translate auditory sensations into vivid, colourful paintwork.
Caroline explained her process: "Synaesthesia is the crossing of sound and colour senses, and I will be showing the audience a glimpse of what it means to 'see' music." The collaboration has been carefully prepared, with Alex and Caroline conducting rehearsals on the Albert Hall stage, where Caroline painted while Alex played the concert piano.
"Music for Everyone" is a charitable organisation dedicated to encouraging music-making and community singing across Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands region. This event exemplifies their commitment to innovative, accessible cultural experiences that engage the community in new and exciting ways.
