Flies, Guys and Choirs was originally commissioned
by the Barbican Centre, London for the
Elektronic Festival, 2001. Running continuously
through a specially designed 35 speaker system,
the installation mingled with and expanded upon
the sounds of the vast 3 storey foyer at the
Barbican - one of London's biggest and most prestigious
art centres. Composed in 16 channel
audio, spatialization and distribution of sound
throughout space is a central part of the piece,
and the transformation of the sounds of people
within public space into the bizarre and beautiful
is it's driving force.
Since it's 1st run in 2001 the piece has been developed
further. It has been mixed to 5.1 surround
sound to be compatible with commercially available
systems and smaller spaces. More dramatically
the piece now also contains a visual aspect, a
specially directed full length film running synchronised
with the piece, expanding upon and exploring
the ideas in the music more deeply than was
previously possible.
The piece can be (and has been) performed and installed in a number of ways - at it's
simplest a professional quality 5.1 surround DVD system with video projection for small
spaces; through cinema presentations; up to it's most luxurious as a multi-channel, multiscreen
installation for large public spaces.
