FAURE REQUIEM 2006
This project was collaboration with forty teenagers of Carlow Young Artists Choir
(Aspiro), under the directorship of Mary Almond O'Brien. The work explored the themes within of a piece 19th century classical music; a Requiem by French composer Gabriel Fauré. The result of this collaboration was a performance of visual art (including a choreographed light box and video art show), alongside a live performance of the music by the choir, which took place on 30th April, 2006 in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow.
The aim of this project was for the choir members to gain a deeper understanding of the piece of music, through exploring how the composer deals with the theme of mourning and loss. The presentation of the artwork produced by the choir in response to the music, also aimed to create a more engaging and accessible experience for the audience in the eventual performance of the music.
Each choir member produced at least one piece of photography, animation or video work. The videos and animations were displayed on large screens either side of the choir, while the photographs were displayed on light boxes that were placed throughout the crowd. These artworks 'performed' on the night in the same orchestrated manner as the music. The choir members had 'scored' the artworks, so that they would be illuminated in synchronization with the appropriate part of the music by which they were inspired. The light boxes were turned on by helpers in the audience who were following the musical score and their cues given by the young artists, working as a kind of 'light orchestra'.
This project was funded by Aspiro (Carlow Young Artist's Choir) and the Arts Council.