Immersive audio trail that plays different music through GPS will be coming to Milton Keynes this summer

    An immersive audio trail that plays different music via GPS will be coming to Milton Keynes this summer as part of the International Festival.

    IF: Milton Keynes International Festival will be running over 21 days this summer, from 10th to 30th July, with a focus on work from UK-based artists.

    There will be unique art installations, including a breathing tunnel and robotic woodpeckers, alongside interactive workshops and comedy sets.

    And the programme has been extended even further, with it being revealed that the 'Planted Syphony' will be heard in Milton Keynes from 14th to 18th July. 

    In honour of Disabled composer Lucy Hale who died earlier this year, Planted Symphony, a new piece she was working on, has been reimagined as an audio trail.

    Commissioned by Drake Music, the symphony is fully accessible through smartphones. It tells the tale of Lagether, a herbalist who calls upon the natural world to help her heal, grow and be transformed.

    Using GPS, the music will automatically play into visitors headphones as they move through the garden trails. Each movement will have an accompanying installation by Jon Van Beek including a giant welcome mat and wicker huts for solo journeys accompanied by a clarinet. 

    A spokesperson explains: "Lucy Hale’s theme evokes ‘nature as a space for transformation’, symbolised through elements of alchemy and enchantment. The narrative journey of Lagether takes the listener on a composition of 6 movements. The first sets the feel of an English garden with the following movements evoking the stirring of potions, transformation, reflection and contemplation with a celebratory finale experienced under a glitter ball. The music combines contemporary classical with electronic sounds, trap-influenced beats and a hint of English folk. 

    "Hales’ initial composition sketches with Musical Director, Ben Sellers have been developed and arranged by Cassandra Gurling with poet Dave Young (The Shouting Mute) providing the words. With narration and audio description by Nickie Miles-Wildin and vocals by Miryam Solomon, the piece has been created by Disabled and non-disabled artists working together to honour Hales’ original ideas. 

    "Hales’ compositional hallmarks were essential to the development of the new score such as creating for a small ensemble, a love of cello, dissonance and playing with dynamics and texture."

    Carien Meijer, Chief Executive of Drake Music, added: "The Planted Symphony audio trail is a beautiful and immersive way to experience music in nature. As you walk or roll along with the installations you hear a musical story of transformation and wonder. It takes you on a journey outdoors in nature and an inner journey of growth and healing which is much needed at this moment in time. The team have brought their considerable talents together, mixing composition, synths, new music tech, poetry, set design and more to create a truly magical experience."

    The experience lasts between 20 to 30 minutes and is open between 11am and 5pm each day. It will be held at Campbell Park, and you can find out more here.

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