This newly commissioned programme is conceived as a unified approach to the intertwining of instrumental and environmental sounds. The three composers are field recording practitioners focusing on sites which are sensitive to environmental change. These sites are the focus of continuous listening and recording practices over a number of years. Each piece deals with a particular ecosystem: forests, rivers and peatland - unique habitats which share sonic qualities as well as presenting distinct features. The sites are across counties Antrim, Donegal and Wicklow; a mix of public and private spaces with a range of human engagement and intervention.

These works cultivate active listening for both performers and audiences; a kind of listening in the field. This is explored through open compositional approaches including graphic and audio scores as well as the use of field recordings from each of the sites and live electronic elements. The programme is presented in an immersive spatial audio format (ambisonics) inviting the audience to a shared listening experience.

Surround Sounds is a programme that delves into the relationships between human and non-human relationships, investigating a sense of place through sound. Deeply situated within sites across Ireland, the ensemble was invited to listen to the field and the composers created sound worlds that merge and juxtapose natural and instrumental sound. 

The three newly commissioned pieces are an expression of SARC’s research into space and environment through sound and music. 

The work is presented at Sounds of Belfast in the Sonic Lab on Sunday 17th November 5pm 
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/surround-sounds-irish-forests-rivers-and-peatlands-tickets-1020510282727 

The three pieces are premiered at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival on the 19th November.  

https://hcmf.co.uk/programme/hard-rain-soloistensemble/ 

Professor Pedro Rebelo (SARC Director), Lara Weaver and Robert Coleman (PhD researchers) are part of SARC’s Sound Space Environment Group