Mobile Sinfonia Artists’ Talk

This talk with Jem Finer follows up the successful development and launch of Mobile Sinfonia this past March. The project emerged from Finer’s residency with the Department of Computer Science at the University of Bath. Jem discusses the work in the context of his broader output with award winning sound artist David Prior of Liminal at Arnolfini in Bristol.

Mobile Sinfonia is an indeterminate musical composition scored for mobile phones. Ringtones created by Finer are are distributed via the Mobile Sinfonia website and Android app (free to all). Each mobile device with a Mobile Sinfonia ringtone serves as a ‘voice’ sounding in the global orchestra. When a ringtone is triggered, the occurrence is plotted on the Mobile Sinfonia website map, listing name of ringtone, time of sounding and geographic location.

Finer’s work ranges far outside definitions such as composer, sound artist or musician. His approach emanates from the same obsessive curiosity that has led him, among other things, to make films, take photographs, form bands, draw, write, perform, compose, play music and build installations. An enduring fascination with deep time and space has been the impetus behind much of Finer’s works, which include Longplayer, Cosmolog, Score for a Hole in the Ground Slowplayer and now, Mobile Sinfonia.

David Prior has a particular interest in the relationship between sound and space, and his work spans compositions for acoustic instruments, live electronics and fixed media as well as radio programmes, sound installations and sound walks. Additionally, he continues to work as a producer and sound mixer for music and film projects and is a member of the film and music collective 4waylab.

Both artists are PRS Music Foundation New Music Award winners. The discussion will begin with Mobile Sinfonia, and range far and wide across Finer’s work and conceptual approach.

Mobile Sinfonia is a continuous work and you can participate worldwide. Visit www.mobilesinfonia.net

• Tickets £6
• £4 Concs