A sound installation by contemporary classical composer Ailís Ní Ríain

Contemporary Heritage: A new way of seeing

18 June 2011 – 9 April 2012 Castle Museum TAKEN forms part of Contemporary Heritage, an ambitious programme of contemporary art commissions inspired by ’s cultural heritage. The installation in is the second commission in the programme which is taking place at historic sites across Lancashire.

TAKEN is created by contemporary TAKEN is a unique sound installation in classical composer Ailís Ní Ríain whose the Castle Keep which is inspired by the sound installations provoke and engage the story of the Lancashire Witches and how audience. Ailís is passionately interested in the 12 accused individuals might have felt creating public sound art and opera, and during their fi nal four months in captivity presenting contemporary music in diverse awaiting trial. In 2012 Lancashire will refl ect spaces. on the 400th anniversary of the Lancashire witch trials.

“Beautiful and moving – I felt on the periphery of someone’s subconscious. Everything was complimentary with a certain darkness” Ailís spent time with 12 women and men homes and kept in such a small space, from Lancashire and recorded each person uncertain of their fate.” humming a song which was personal and poignant to them. The recordings were then The hummers’ voices fi ll every corner of the interwoven with an acoustic harp into the Castle Keep punctuated by the poignant composition. and evocative timbre of the harp. Immerse yourself in sound and thought as Ailis says “It was an honour to sit with the Keep is brought to life through music. each ‘hummer’ and witness them hum for me a tune which means a great deal Ailís is an award winning composer whose to them. It was an intense experience for music has been performed all over Europe them and I think they were very brave and in the USA. Recent work has been and generous. The Keep is a remarkable commissioned by MetalCulture for the building and Taken allows visitors Liverpool Biennial, The Royal Liverpool to imagine what it must have been Philharmonic Orchestra, Cornerhouse and like for the accused, taken from their the AND festival. Contemporary Heritage is an ambitious until 11 Sept 2011. Helmshore Mills contemporary art programme created Textile Museum launches in spring 2012, for historic sites across Lancashire. The Gawthorpe Hall and Turton Tower launch in installations animate each site and offer spring 2013. visitors a rare chance to experience major works of art by artists of national Experience TAKEN with your family and and international standing outside a city friends, take in the stunning views across environment. Clitheroe to and visit . TAKEN is commissioned by Mid Pennine Arts in collaboration with Lancashire County Clitheroe Castle Museum, Council. Clitheroe Castle and Museum is Lancashire, BB7 1BA owned by Borough Council Free admission to the installation in the and the Museum is managed by Lancashire Castle Keep County Council. TAKEN is open daily 10am – 5pm

Further Contemporary Heritage commissions: Not Forgotten by Geraldine www.midpenninearts.org.uk Pilgrim at Towneley Hall and Park is open www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums

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Main Entrance Castle Stree To

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Castle Keep TAKEN Documentary

More information Children’s on the Lancashire Play Area Witches

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