The world premiere of a poignant sound and visual installation marked the 100-year anniversary of the historic evening of 14th April, when RMS Titanic struck an iceberg in 1912. The classical music installation ‘Water Night’ includes 3746 voices from 73 countries – a ‘Virtual Choir’ made up of individual recordings performed online.
‘Water Night’ composed and produced by Grammy-winner Eric Whitacre, was projected into the atrium of the new Titanic Belfast visitor attraction at 11.40pm on Saturday 14th April, the exact time Titanic collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic a century ago. Titanic sank at 2.20am on Sunday 15th April.
The classical music installation ‘Water Night’ includes 3,746 voices from 73 countries – a ‘Virtual Choir’ made up of individual recordings performed online. Co-commissioned by Titanic Belfast and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, with stunning visuals and immersive sounds, ‘Water Night’ combines music, sights and technology to create a unique experience.
The virtual choir’s conductor, Eric Whitacre, said: “Having the first audio-visual installation of ‘Water Night’ in Titanic Belfast during the centenary commemorations is an honor. I am truly delighted that I can bring together singers and visitors from all over the globe to mark this momentous occasion. The beautiful music of the Virtual Choir will provide a moment of contemplation for the lost souls of Titanic.”
Ali Curran, Titanic Belfast’s Festival Director, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Eric Whitacre and his Virtual Choir to present his first ever sound and visual installation to mark the 100-year anniversary of Titanic’s journey. Local singers, alongside international participants, have taken part in this unique event to reflect and commemorate the Titanic story which still resonates so strongly today.”
Also taking part in Saturday’s event were Belfast playwright, Dan Gordon, who read SOS messages from Titanic’s final hours, Belfast actor Ian McElhinney, who read Thomas Hardy’s Titanic poem, the ‘Convergence of the Twain’ and musician Neil Martin, also from the city.
Following its debut in Belfast, the Virtual Choir installation, co-commissioned by Titanic Belfast and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board., will be shown in a number of cities around the world.
http://www.incentivetravel.co.uk/venuesevents/6753-virtual-choir-commemorates-titanic-100-years-on