The prestigious Yorkshire Sculpture International arts festival came to Wakefield Cathedral last Saturday evening, featuring a unique musical installation that resonates with the Cathedral’s beautiful interior.
Nearly two hundred people came to hear Beirut composer and sound artist, Tarek Atoui’s Shuffle Orchestra. It included a series of performances in which the artist activated instruments newly made that then became part of an art installation that explores and illuminates the architectural space in which it is located.
The piece is a mesmerising sound sculpture that weaves together sounds ranging from vibrating ball bearings and table tennis balls to the cathedral organ.
The Dean of Wakefield, Simon Cowling, said: “It has been a huge privilege to work with Tarek Atoui and the team at Yorkshire Sculpture International to enable this performance.”
“The wonderful acoustics of the Cathedral made it a memorable experience.”
Throughout the 100 day festival there will be new exhibitions, a range of special events, performances, talks and tours spread across four galleries in the two cities of Wakefield and Leeds as well as in the open air.
The YSI 2019 is the first of its kind in the country.
Free guide books are available at Wakefield Cathedral's Visitor Information Points in the Treacy Hall.