Interactive
5K PURSUIT OPERA
“ ..a wonderful combination of competitive cycling, science and opera.” The Observer
Award-winning interactive opera for Channel 4 Television (1992)
Libretto as hypertext. Velodrome as noise generator. Wired-for-sound bikes.
A unique fusion of art and sport where track cyclists and opera singers interact through a digital electronic score, and where the speed and tactics of the performers determines the tempo and outcome of the libretto and music. The cycle racing is for real and the winners and losers control the final plot. As the interaction between athletes, velodrome and performers unfolds in real time, no two operas are ever the same.
Written and composed by Pip Greasley with interactive electronics by Will Penney. Directed by Jolyon Wimhurst for Best Endeavours, Design by Jack Gresley, Executive Producer Avril McRory for Channel 4 Television, Performed by Solid State Opera.
“ The future of opera“ BBC Late Show
Opera Screen '91 (Helsinki): ‘Highly Commended’
British Film Institute Awards '92: nominated ‘Innovation in Television’\
US Golden Gate Awards '92: ‘Innovation in Art Award’
INPUT '92 represented UK’s ‘cutting edge’ in broadcast: ‘New Arts Category’
THE LAST BROADCAST
‘…one day the only evidence of humankind will be in its electronic image…’
The Last Broadcast was a sensation when first presented at the Tate Gallery, Liverpool, as part of Video Positive ‘93, the UK's premier festival of electronic arts.
An unusual hybrid of video art and music theatre where live performers interact with robotic characters, this visionary work explored the dangers of a future dominated by telecommunications! The immersive installation was presented in 10 minute modules in a geodetic dome and toured UK as a full opera in 1994, .
"....live performers interact with robotic characters in an exploration of the dangers of electromagnetic waves - namely mobile phones!"
photo - The Last Broadcast visits Phoenix Arts, Leicester.
Written by Pip Greasley. Interactive sound by Will Penney. Performed by Solid State Opera. Funded by New Collaborations Fund, Arts Council of Great Britain.
ABSA Awards 1994: Public Accessibility
ACCELERATO
‘visitors ride the lift to audition their own sound score, visualised as a animated graphic that spans the full height of the building.’
A design study commissioned by Jubilee Arts for the proposed c/Plex arts complex by architect Will Alsop (2002).
In this proposal an entire lift shaft of glass becomes a digital interactive musical instrument, where the public drag and drop sonic elements from touch screen pools, which appear as ‘clouds’ and ‘clusters’ on a giant illuminated graphic display. The participants audition their compositions by riding the lift, whilst visitors to the building share in the performance from strategic viewpoints.