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This autumn audiences can explore Oxford in a brand new way, guided by a silver sphere nestled in their hands that can only communicate through mysterious music. Seemingly possessed of its own mind, each sphere will lead audience members through the streets and alleyways of the city centre to a secret location. Can you keep your sphere happy? This experience, called Congregation, will take place on the 8th and 9th October 2022, 3pm and 6pm each day. To take part in Congregation, book your place at OCM’s website: www.ocmevents.org.
Congregation is the creation of award winning artist Ray Lee. Audiences take on the challenge to keep their sphere ‘happy’ by going in the right direction. In return the sphere will lead them on a sonic voyage to the mysterious final destination where they will encounter a meeting of the spheres, a chiming, pulsing web of electronic sound.
Congregation takes place around Oxford, lasts approx. 40 mins and it involves a 20 minute walk on even terrain. £5 per sphere, bookings at www.ocmevents.org. Audiences can share a sphere (up to 4 people per sphere) or book one each. There are 5 starting points all within the city centre for Congregation and bookers will be told which beautiful and intriguing place they’ll be starting from one week before the event. Family friendly. Children of all ages are welcome. Under 8s should not hold a sphere (but they can help navigate!).
Congregation is created by award-winning artist and composer Ray Lee, who’s brought some magnificent sound art experiences to Oxford over the past few years. Audiences might remember being mesmerised by the spinning tripods of Chorus in 2012 or being thrilled by the monumental installation Ring Out at the Clarendon Quad in 2017. In more intimate settings, the Ethometric Museum filled audiences’ thirst for wonder when it premiered at the History of Science Museum in 2011.
“Congregation is an artwork that has enchanted participants and spectators across the UK since its creation. OCM and SARU are excited about bringing it to Oxford to experience here in our historic and beautiful public spaces”. Director, OCM, Jo Ross
Congregation is presented in Oxford by OCM (Oxford Contemporary Music) and SARU (Sonic Art Research Unit - Oxford Brookes University). Originally commissioned by Norwich and Norfolk Festival and Out There Festival Great Yarmouth with financial support from Without Walls, OCM, Oxford Brookes University and 101 Outdoor Arts, Newbury.
Concept, design and composition: Ray Lee
Software development, hardware design, and concept development: Steve Symons
Concept development and Costume Design: Stavroula Kounadea
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