For sixteen years the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon has given audiences a warm welcome and stunning musical sounds. Now it has a stunning sight to welcome its audience – and it is a very visual work of art inspired by music.
Internationally acclaimed British artist Bruce Munro’s light sculpture Rhythm and Blues will stop visitors in their tracks as they enter what used to be a functional reception area.
Weaving its way in serpentine fashion across the ceiling of the foyer of Wiltshire Music Centre, this graceful artwork is the artist’s response to the Centre as a hub of musical commitment and creativity. The suspended structure comprises 405 strands of illuminated fibre optic with aluminium diffusers.
The artwork is reflected in three wall mirrors, which at once expand it and invite further consideration and contemplation.
Bruce Munro is especially pleased to have been invited to create this piece for the Wiltshire Music Centre: “Its presence here is testimony to the amazing work of the Centre’s team and its significance as a venue showing first class music for Wiltshire and the surrounding counties. “
“For me it is always wonderful to have the opportunity to create a permanent piece especially in a place that is close to home and where it can be enjoyed as part of a broader cultural experience.” [And see below.]
The Munro work is part of a significant upgrading of the 16-year-old building. Physical improvements to the foyer and café-bar area will ensure more front-of-house comfort. And enhanced technical equipment and acoustic treatment in the auditorium will give an even better quality sound experience for all types of live music.
Those improvements were funded by an Arts Council grant and the Munro was paid for by generous donations from supporters.
The Centre’s Executive Director, Clare Jack, emphasises that the new look is not the only innovation this Autumn – the season starting this Saturday (September 20) is the first to be programmed by the new Artistic Director, James Slater: “The physical improvements have made a great difference, and Bruce Munro’s light installation is truly inspirational. With a fantastic programme of music ahead of us we are welcoming the new season with a great sense of optimism and excitement.”
The season begins with a gala concert by Rachel Podger (violin) and Brecon Baroque on Saturday, September 20. They will be playing Vivaldi and Bach.
For information about the season and for tickets visit the Centre’s website or telephone 01225 860100.
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Bruce Munro is noted for his immersive site-specific installations that employ light to encourage emotional responses, often in an outdoor context and on a monumental scale. In November 2014 he continues his Residency at the Rothschild Foundation, Waddesdon Manor with a seven piece exhibition from 12 November to 4 January 2015. |
Rhythm and Blues – Artist Bruce Munro 2014. Photo by Mark Pickthall.
www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk
