The forthcoming festival, Sonic Interventions, brings together artists from Scotland and Ukraine to explore the intricate relationship between sound and human experience. Set to take place from June 11 to 16 across various venues in Glasgow, the festival will showcase a blend of world premieres, installations, and interactive performances, underscoring the transformative power of sound in our lives.

One of the notable performances will feature Genevieve Murphy from Scotland and Alice Haspyd from Ukraine, who will present a duo performance on June 11 at Civic House. This event exemplifies the collaborative spirit that birthed Sonic Interventions, emerging from conversations between organisers Olha Bekenshtein and Martel, who met during a networking session following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Bekenshtein remarked, “We saw this grant opportunity from the British consul… that’s how Sonic Interventions was born,” highlighting the initiative’s roots in both art and urgent socio-political contexts.

The festival, aptly named, aims to delve into how sound shapes and disrupts our everyday environments, particularly in the shadow of ongoing conflict. Bekenshtein notes that the theme will focus on sound that is often beyond our control yet compels us to react. For instance, she discussed the ominous sounds associated with war, stating that “the sound of air raid sirens tells you something dangerous is coming.” Through sound, the festival will serve as a platform for reflection on how cultural experiences shift meanings—sounds like drones, which now evoke memories of danger rather than leisure.

One unique installation will be an audio-guided walk created by Ukrainian composer Anna Khvyl in collaboration with dramaturg Piotr Armianovski. Unlike typical sound walks, which tie narratives closely to physical locations, this initiative will connect participants globally through a series of online radio stations, fostering a sense of shared experience despite geographical boundaries. Bekenshtein describes it as a “sonic walk for nomads” where listeners need only headphones to join, thereby allowing diverse contributions from across the world.

In tandem with audio installations, the festival will include talks and engagement programmes addressing the political, social, and emotional weight of sound. Among the highlighted artists, Alla Zahaikevych will make her UK debut at the Glasgow Women’s Library, presenting a solo performance that centres on field recordings from significant landmarks in Kyiv. This not only emphasises Zahaikevych’s cultural heritage but also aims to forge deeper connections with audiences in Scotland.

Amid the backdrop of an ongoing war, Bekenshtein asserts the importance of such cultural exchanges in reinforcing solidarity between Scotland and Ukraine. “Even though this war is not local… it affects everyone,” she stated, underscoring the global reach of conflict and the collective responsibility to share and understand the diverse experiences shaped by it. The festival aspires to broaden perspectives on Ukrainian artistry, aiming to present cultural narratives beyond the immediate crisis, thereby enriching shared human experience.

As Sonic Interventions gears up, it presents an opportunity not just for artistic exploration but also for audiences to engage with the subtle yet profound influences of sound on our lives, encouraging a collective reflection on cultural resilience amidst adversity.

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Source: Noah Wire Services