Scots beach to host UK premiere of new sound installation

The UK premiere of a large-scale, environmental sound installation will take place on a beach in North Ayrshire this summer.

Signal-on-Sea, which will take place on Irvine beach from from July 16-25, will see 24 long-throw speakers interweaving operatic all-female voices across a stretch of the beach overlooking the Isle of Arran.

The installation by Dutch duo Strijbos & Van Rijswijk is being produced by Glasgow-based art house Cryptic and is supported by EventScotland through the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21 and Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund.

Organisers say the event is a “unique and moving opportunity to rediscover and explore this remarkable landscape with music and texts evoking imagery that enhance and transform the environment”.

Cathie Boyd, artistic director of Cryptic said: “This will be a welcome opportunity for the public to experience one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches as never before.

“From early afternoon through to sunset, dog walkers, joggers, families and picnickers can take a moment to bask in an epic soundscape of beautiful operatic voices through 24 speakers.

“We thank EventScotland and North Ayrshire Council for their continued support of what is set to be one of Scotland’s cultural highlights this summer. Once experienced, never forgotten.”

Scotland’s Coasts and Waters will be showcased throughout 2021 and celebrated with a programme of activity designed to support the nation’s tourism and events sectors.

Paul Bush OBE, director of events at VisitScotland, said: “Scotland offers the perfect stage to enjoy events in dramatic surroundings and Cryptic’s innovative sound installation on Irvine Beach will provide a unique experience for audiences.”