Museum sounds out city ahead of new musical display

Singers and performers from Leeds are being asked to help capture the sound of a city as they collaborate on a beautiful new series of musical mosaics.

The imaginative idea will see submissions by musicians, choirs and spoken word artists from all around the city synchronised as part of a stunning soundscape at Leeds City Museum later this year.

The Sounds Good installation will look to explore the impact music can have on mood and will also include a piece created by with people living with Dementia which has been supported by artist Paul Digby.

After being brought together by a sound engineer, each piece of music will then form part of a larger audio exhibit that will fill the museum’s Brodrick Hall with the sounds of Leeds.

Leeds Museums and Galleries project curator Catherine Robins said: “Music and sound can have such a profound impact on a person’s mood and the right song at the right time has a unique ability to completely change your whole state of mind.

“The past few months have been incredibly tough for people from all walks of life and many of us have relied on our favourite music to lift our spirits and keep us going.

“Through this installation, what we hope to do is capture the many different sounds that have meant something to people in Leeds in a display that celebrates the power of both music and people working together.”

Anyone wanting to submit a piece to potentially feature in the display can send it in on video, MP3 or MP4.

Those wanting to take part can email Catherine on catherine.robins@leeds.gov.uk for more details. Deadline for submissions is Tuesday 15th September and Sounds Good will be open from October 6-11.

Each Leeds Museums and Galleries site has social distancing and hygiene measures in place and booking in advance at some sites is essential. New visitor routes are also in place and some venues have limited access to some areas ensure visitor safety.

Leeds City Museum is free to enter and advanced booking is not required.

More details of arrangements at individual sites, advice for visitors and details about how to book can be found at: https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/reopening-information/