The Harp of the City is a giant public instrument that produces sound and an interactive light show. Like any master-crafted instrument, each harp is completely...

The Harp of the City

Location:

Circular Quay
2000 NSW
Australia

Girl Playing The Harp of the City

Access and Inclusion

  • Audio Described - Audio description is a service provided for patrons who are blind or have low vision. Trained audio describers give live, objective, verbal descriptions.
  • Wheelchair Accessible - Access to the venue is suitable for wheelchairs (toilets, ramps/lifts etc.) and designated wheelchair spaces are available.

Event Details

Artists:
PropMill: Josh Wilkinson (Australia) / Joseph Burgess (United States) / John Salmond (Australia) / Nick Lavers (Australia)

Collaborator:
Daniel Thomas (Australia)

The Harp of the City is a giant public instrument that produces sound and an interactive light show. Like any master-crafted instrument, each harp is completely unique, carved by hand out of wood. This gives each harp its own character, which is mirrored in both form and sound. From the lighting to the contours, each harp's design is simple and beautiful, waiting to be brought vividly to life by anyone who plucks the strings.

Using contact microphones and reactive LED lighting, the strings of each harp can be plucked by as many people as can get their hands on them. Each of the harps' six strings produces a different resonance and luminous response depending on the way it is played. Together, the 14 harps produce a variety of notes, creating a symphony of sound and lightplay across its 30 metre length.

The installation reminds us that the city is not just a passive space filled with the incessant noise of car horns and jackhammers. The Harp of the City proves that beautiful music can be created by complete strangers and can enhance our experience of the urban environment.

 

Country represented by installation: Australia

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Audio Description

Access and Inclusion

  • Audio Described - Audio description is a service provided for patrons who are blind or have low vision. Trained audio describers give live, objective, verbal descriptions.
  • Wheelchair Accessible - Access to the venue is suitable for wheelchairs (toilets, ramps/lifts etc.) and designated wheelchair spaces are available.

Sponsors