An immersive sound installation that captures the breadth and feel of the River Irwell will make its debut at the University next month for the Sounds From The Other City festival.
Hayley Suviste’s stunning new artwork, From The River’s Mouth, will be showcased within the University’s Acoustic Laboratories on Sunday 4 May as part of the festival’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
Developed over the past few months, the sound artist’s exhibition will present a series of installations that, explored across unique acoustic rooms, will each present a different audio aspect of the River Irwell.
Listeners will be taken through the journey of the river, from the hum of Manchester and Salford’s city centres to the vibrant life of Kersal Wetlands where nature thrives along the water’s edge.
From The River’s Mouth contrasts human impact with nature’s resilience.
The project has come together during Hayley’s time as Artist in Residence at the Acoustic Laboratories, in a partnership with the University of Salford Art Collection and From The Other, the organisation behind Sounds From The Other City.
Hayley said: “From The River’s Mouth explores a different aspect of the River Irwell as you walk through and experience the installation. It will take listeners through the shifting landscapes and stories that make up the river’s past, present and imagined future.
“Over the past months, I have walked the river’s banks, gathering field recordings, photographs and footage. I have also delved into historical archives, reflecting on how humans have shaped the river and how it, in turn, shapes us. These materials will come together in the final installations, creating sensory experiences that invite reflection on our connection to the river and our role in its care.
“From The River’s Mouth invites listeners to consider the river not as a mere body of water, but as a living entity, constantly evolving and shaping the world around it.”
Tickets for the 45-minute experience will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to a limited number of festivalgoers on the day of the festival but a further public presentation of the work will take place later on this year with the final overall piece to become part of the University of Salford Art Collection.
Lindsay Taylor, Director at The University of Salford Art Collection, said: “It is a privilege to work with colleagues in Acoustics, as well as From the Other, to develop totally new artwork that responds to our environment as well as our facilities.
“From The River’s Mouth by Hayley Suviste is our second commission for Sounds From The Other City. Tickets for last year’s commission, The Conductor by Mishka Henner, sold out within hours – so make sure you are early if you want to reserve a place for this unique and special experience.”
Mark Carlin, Co-Director of From The Other said: “Sounds From The Other City has always been a place for emerging artists to try out new ideas and we love transforming unlikely spaces into music venues, so it is a genuine delight to be hosting From The River’s Mouth in the heart of the University’s acoustics department.
“It also represents a brilliant journey that we have shared with Hayley, who was a volunteer in our festival team in 2016 and is now one of the highlights of our 20th anniversary festival!”
Sounds From The Other City will take place across the University’s Peel Park campus, with music performed at Maxwell Hall, Peel Hall, Salford Museum & Art Gallery, The Old Fire Station Café, on The Green and at the Working Class Movement Library.
Over 100 acts including Gwenno, Loose Articles, Astrid Sonne and The Orielles will be performing across 15 stages around Chapel Street and The Crescent.
Images: header: Hayley Suviste – Kersal Wetlands Underwater Microphones – photo credit Charlotte Simmons. Above: Hayley Suviste at the University Acoustics Laboratories – Reverb room.