Liverpool Cathedrals’ laser link-up conveys hopes for future

Vicky Anderson Daily Post 1/1/08

THERE’S much more to the striking ray of green light that has appeared in Liverpool’s night sky than meets the eye – or even ear.

Hundreds of people have already become involved in the Hope Street Project, of which the laser beaming between the city’s two cathedrals is the most visual part.

Alongside it is an invisible beam that will transmit sound between the two cathedrals for visitors in each to hear, specifically, the voices of the people of Liverpool.

Peter Appleton and Colin Dilnot, the team behind the installation, are currently recording people of all ages and back- grounds speaking a word, phrase or poem in response to the question "what do you hope for in life?"

They have held open days in arts venues including the Fact centre and invited primary schools, faith groups and community groups in the area to take part.

Following on from the collection of voices, the resulting recorded sounds travelling along the invisible beam will vibrate the strings of a guitar, creating a harmonic backdrop to the soft tapestry of voices which will be heard in both cathedrals at designated times, with the aim of creating a contemplative atmosphere.

The finished aural project will be launched for the public to hear on October 29 between 2pm and 3pm and on several other days for an hour at a time before the end of the project.

The project will climax with a concert on November 27 that will be heard in both cathedrals, using the voices and a special choral work being composed by musician Simon Thorn.

The laser was launched to tie in with the Biennial and has so far been the focal point – and it is just the beginning.

There will still be opportunities to add a voice at occasions including the special Long Night of the Biennial on October 30 at 68 Hope Street (John Moores University).

"It seems to have captured people’s imaginations, as it is a work of art that people can actually get involved in and play a major part in it by leaving their voices, said Mr Dilnot.

"We wanted to try and approach as many different people as possible."

vickyanderson@dailypost.co.uk