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For the fifth year running, ‘Resonant Collective’ will create a Live Sound Installation at Nevill Hall Hopsital Abergavenny.

soundscape

This work, which is the inspiration of local musician Chrys Blanchard, draws together more than 40 vocalists and musicians from around the UK to create a unique public event.

The Out Patient Waiting Area at Nevill Hall Hospital becomes transformed for the event which takes place on the afternoon of Sunday October 13th.Beneath the beautiful Dreamscape Banners that festoon the ceiling, the vocalists create subtle tones that seem to hang in the air and spiral high above the space, evoking an atmosphere of peace and serenity. The music passes through cycles which take listeners on a journey through deep relaxation, stillness and contemplation to moments of sheer delight weaving voices with the gently soothing sounds of gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, and other unusual instruments.

Many people come to Nevill Hall especially to see Soundscape during the afternoon. You can drop in anytime between 2pm and 5pm and spend as little time or as long as you want to wandering freely through the space, or sitting a while and absorbing the experience.

Over the last few years the part of the installation that has proved increasingly popular is the ŒSound Transfusion.¹ Some individuals have the opportunity to be personally bathed in sound. People have commented on how relaxing they find this and some have said that it has helped to ease pain. There is also a Harp chair that people can sit in and feel the pleasant effect of the vibration travelling through their body as the harp strings are being strummed

Consultant Paediatrician Tom Williams is enthusiastic about the Soundscape and has made it possible for it to happen here in Abergavenny for the past 5 years. He says ³It is important to include the Arts as part of the healing process. The Soundscape can help people to take their minds off their worries and help soothe the mind.

soundscape2Nevill Hall Soundscape has become widely recognised as a significant body of work, the first of its kind in the UK. It has influenced many of those who have already taken part, inspiring them to take work into their own communities and hospitals. There have already been egular sessions happening in Southampton and Dublin as a direct result.

There are plans to take Soundscape to Ireland in 2014.and Chrys has also been invited to Turkey next autumn to train others in this way of working.

Staff, patients and visitors alike have been delighted to happen upon the Soundscape as they walk through the hospital.

One of the comments from someone who experienced the Soundscape says I felt a lot of peace and harmony at a time of tension and turmoil. I arrived a sceptic and left a tranquil convert!

“I only popped in for 10 minutes”, said one man, “and I was still there an hour and a half later!”

“I have had so many people contacting me saying that they have heard about the project and that they want to come and be part of it. It is very exciting.”  says Chrys.

Over the next few weeks there will be a variety of sound relaxation events the leading up to the main event.

Outpatients will experience some of these sounds during the afternoons of Thursday Oct 3th and 10th, when a few members of RESONANT COLLECTIVE will be
playing some of the instruments.

There will be SONGS TO SOOTHE THE SOUL – singing songs from Taize in the hospital chapel on the evening of Monday October 7th from 6.30 until 8pm,

For those that want to experience a deep sound relaxation called a ŒGong Bath you are welcome to come along to Out Patients Waiting area on the evening of Saturday 12th October from 8.15 ­ 9.15pm.
All the events are free and this year Soundscape is being sponsored by GARTH (Gwent Arts in Health) and Abergavenny Music Shop.

For more information please contact Chrys Blanchard. mob: 07968 326294
email: chrysblanchard@naturalvoice.net

Article by Chrys Blanchard

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One response to “Soundscape”

  1. Phil Brachi says:

    Well, what a beautiful and healing event! How excellent to have run such an innovative addition to the usual hospital fare for the last five years… well done!
    It’s obviously successful and very well receieved.

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