Swirls of dazzling colour and atmospheric music will bring new life and light to Durham Cathedral this autumn in a show said to be unlike anything hosted there before.
The interior of the city landmark, which opened in 1133, is set to be seen in literally a new light when artists Luxmuralis arrive to work their wonders in October. For the first time they will be bringing their 'son et lumiere' - sound and light - show Life to the North East and it promises to flood the venue with light and sound.
Projections have previously shown off the cathedral to spectacular effect during the popular Durham Lumiere festival with Ross Ashton's memorable Crown of Light illuminating its exterior with moving images. This time it's the interior of the ancient building which will be the focus of attention by a team of artists called Luxmuralis.
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One of them is Peter Walker who can't wait for the opportunity to help create an immersive experience for visitors who, from October 12-16, will be able to take in stunning projections on the cathedral’s centuries-old architecture which will trace a journey through earth, sea and sky. During those dates the cathedral will appear as normal by day then the Life show will run from 6.45pm each evening, suddenly projecting installations throughout the space, bringing the natural world to life and inviting people to pause and reflect.
Peter said: "We are delighted to bring our work to Durham and present it within the world-renowned interior of the stunning cathedral. We aim to bring the architecture to life and allow visitors to the installation a chance to see this place of wonder for over a 1,000 years, as never seen before."
He added: " Life is an uplifting and thought-provoking installation that will take visitors on a unique journey through light and sound and we look forward to seeing families and people of all ages enjoying the artwork in this magnificent place." Luxmuralis is an artistic collaboration whose works have been touring cathedrals in England for years - but Durham will be a first.
Andrew Usher, chief officer for visitor experience and enterprise at the cathedral, is all set to welcome the touring artwork which follows another major art installation - a giant moon - which was suspended inside the building last year. He said: "From the many years of being a host venue of Lumiere and from the success of last year’s Museum of the Moon installation, we know our visitors love being able to enter the cathedral after-dark and Life by Luxmuralis is like nothing we’ve ever done before.
"From the high-vaulted ceiling and colossal pillars of the nave to the intricate carvings in the Galilee Chapel, this new installation will give people a different perspective on the spaces in the cathedral they know so well.” Life by Luxmuralis, which is suitable for all ages, will run at Durham Cathedral from October 12-16 between 6.45pm and 9pm.
Entry will be by a timed ticket only and the cost is £8 for adults and £5 for under-18s. Children aged under-three can be taken along for free. To book tickets see here.
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